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Russia's FSB says Ukraine's SBU was behind assassination attempt on top general

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 9, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: February 9, 2026

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Russia's FSB says Ukraine's SBU was behind assassination attempt on top general
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MOSCOW, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday that the attempted assassination of General Vladimir Alexeyev was ordered by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the

FSB Claims Ukrainian SBU Behind Assassination Attempt on Russian General

Allegations of Assassination Attempt

MOSCOW, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Russia's Federal Security Service said on Monday that the men suspected of shooting one of the country's most senior military intelligence officer had confessed that they were carrying out orders from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Details of the Incident

Ukraine has denied any involvement in Friday's attempted assassination of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy head of Russia's GRU military intelligence service. Alexeyev has regained consciousness after surgery.

Confessions and Recruitment

Russia said that the suspected shooter, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen named by Moscow as Lyubomir Korba, had been questioned after he was extradited from Dubai. A suspected accomplice, Viktor Vasin, has also been questioned.

Involvement of Polish Intelligence

The FSB said in a statement that both Korba and Vasin had "confessed their guilt" and given details of the shooting which they said was "committed on behalf of the Security Service of Ukraine."

The FSB did not provide any evidence that Reuters was able to immediately verify. It was not possible to contact the men while they were in detention in Russia. The SBU could not be reached for immediate comment on the FSB statement.

The FSB said Korba was recruited by the SBU in August 2025 in Ternopil, western Ukraine, underwent training in Kyiv and was paid monthly in crypto-currency. For killing Alexeyev, Korba was promised $30,000 by the SBU, the FSB said.

The FSB said Polish intelligence was involved in his recruitment. Poland could not be reached for immediate comment.

(Reporting by Reuters, Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Perry)

Key Takeaways

  • FSB accuses Ukraine of ordering an assassination attempt.
  • General Vladimir Alexeyev was the target of the plot.
  • Polish intelligence allegedly involved in recruitment.
  • A suspect was extradited from Dubai to Moscow.
  • No evidence has been verified by Reuters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FSB?
The FSB, or Federal Security Service, is the principal security agency of Russia, responsible for counterintelligence, internal security, and counter-terrorism.
What is extradition?
Extradition is the legal process by which one country surrenders a suspected or convicted criminal to another country.
What is the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU)?
The SBU is the main security agency in Ukraine, responsible for counterintelligence, combating terrorism, and protecting national security.
What is verification of claims?
Verification of claims refers to the process of confirming the truth or accuracy of statements or allegations made by individuals or organizations.

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