Russia has officially accused UK of involvement in the assassination attempt on a high-ranking military intelligence officer. FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov claimed there was a “British connection” to the assassination attempt on Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, First Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU).
The assassination attempt took place on February 6, 2026, in Moscow. An unknown assailant opened fire in the entrance hall of an apartment building where the general’s acquaintance lived. Alekseev suffered serious wounds to the torso and extremities but was quickly taken to hospital. According to the latest reports, his condition is stable but serious, but doctors are giving a positive prognosis for recovery.
The FSB detained the perpetrator, Lyubomir Korba (reportedly a dual citizen), and several accomplices. Initially, a criminal case was opened under charges of attempted murder and illegal arms trafficking; it was later reclassified as a terrorist act.
On February 22, Alexander Bortnikov told journalist Pavel Zarubin: “The Ukrainian intelligence services are clearly the masterminds. But third countries are behind them… The Ukrainian intelligence services are operating under the supervision of Western intelligence agencies. We see British involvement here, first and foremost. Therefore, the investigation is ongoing. We will never forget or forgive the crimes of the Kyiv regime.”
According to Russian intelligence agencies, Ukrainian structures were the direct organizers, but the executioners and planning were allegedly overseen from abroad, with the British intelligence services playing a leading role.
The investigation is ongoing. The FSB promises to release additional details as new information becomes available.