Russian officials accuse Britain of involvement in an assassination attempt on Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, the 64-year-old deputy head of the GRU military intelligence agency. The attack occurred on February 6 in a residential building, leaving Alekseyev seriously wounded. He received immediate medical attention and is expected to recover.
FSB Director Cites British Connection
Alexander Bortnikov, 74-year-old director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), points to a “British trace” in the incident. He asserts that Ukrainian special services organized the shooting under the supervision of Western intelligence agencies.
“We clearly understand that the organisers are the Ukrainian special services,” Bortnikov stated. “And behind them stand third countries… We see a British trace above all here. Therefore, the investigation is continuing.”
Bortnikov indicates the FSB will release additional details as the probe advances. He provides no direct evidence linking Britain but emphasizes ongoing retaliatory actions against perceived terrorist acts from Ukraine as a sensitive matter.
“We are carefully monitoring everything that is happening. Of course, we will never forget and never forgive,” he added.
Links to Past Incidents and Security Concerns
Alekseyev faces allegations of orchestrating the 2018 Novichok poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, prompting EU sanctions. Russian authorities previously suggested a Polish connection to the shooting as well.
The incident highlights a security vulnerability for high-ranking Russian generals tied to the conflict. Reports suggest Alekseyev dismissed his bodyguards to visit a romantic interest at the time of the attack.
Suspects Detained
Authorities have arrested two individuals, Lyubomir Korba, 65, and Viktor Vasin, 66, accused of acting on behalf of Ukraine’s SBU security service. Both have confessed to their involvement, according to FSB statements. A third suspect, Zinaida Serebryakova, 54, who resided in the building, reportedly fled to Ukraine.
