Russia’s counterintelligence service has pointed to Britain in connection with an assassination attempt on a high-ranking military intelligence official tied to the 2018 Novichok poisonings in the UK.
Details of the Attack
Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, 64, deputy head of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, sustained serious gunshot wounds in a Moscow residential building on February 6. Medical teams rushed him to a hospital, where he remains in stable condition and is expected to recover.
FSB Director’s Allegations
Alexander Bortnikov, 74, director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), asserted a “British trace” in the incident. He claimed Ukrainian special services orchestrated the attack under the oversight of Western intelligence agencies.
Bortnikov stated: “We clearly understand that the organisers are the Ukrainian special services. And behind them stand third countries, which we have spoken about before — that the Ukrainian special services operate under the supervision, or with the supervision, of Western intelligence services. We see a British trace above all here. Therefore, the investigation is continuing.”
The FSB chief provided no supporting evidence for the British involvement but indicated more details would emerge as the probe advances. He emphasized ongoing retaliatory actions against alleged terrorist activities from Kyiv, describing them as a sensitive matter.
“We are carefully monitoring everything that is happening. Of course, we will never forget and never forgive,” Bortnikov added.
Alekseyev’s Background and Novichok Link
Alekseyev faces allegations of orchestrating the 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, which severely poisoned three individuals and resulted in the death of British citizen Dawn Sturgess. The European Union cited his role in imposing sanctions on him.
Earlier reports Russian authorities also implicated Poland in the shooting. The incident highlights security vulnerabilities for top Russian generals involved in military operations, though unverified claims suggest Alekseyev may have dismissed his bodyguards for a personal visit.
Suspects in Custody
Authorities have detained two suspects, Lyubomir Korba, 65, and Viktor Vasin, 66, accused of ties to Ukraine’s SBU security service. Both have confessed to their involvement, according to FSB statements.
A third individual, Zinaida Serebryakova, 54, reportedly resided in the same building and has fled to Ukraine.
