Moscow: Russia’s main security agency has accused Ukraine of ordering an attempt on the life of a senior Russian military officer, a claim that Kyiv has strongly denied, adding to already high tensions between the two countries.
Russia’s Federal Security Service said a gun attack on Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow was planned by Ukraine’s Security Service. The FSB also claimed that foreign intelligence services were involved in helping recruit the suspected attacker.
According to Russian authorities, Alekseyev was seriously wounded in the shooting but survived after undergoing surgery. Officials said he later regained consciousness and is receiving treatment.
The FSB said a suspect, described as a Russian citizen born in Ukraine, was detained in Dubai and later flown to Moscow. Russian investigators allege the man used a silenced weapon and had support from accomplices. One person was reportedly detained in Moscow, while another is believed to have fled abroad.
Ukraine has rejected the accusations. Ukrainian officials said Kyiv had no role in the attack and suggested the incident could be linked to internal power struggles or criminal activity inside Russia. Ukraine has not been presented with evidence to support the claims made by Russian authorities.
So far, no independent verification has been provided for Russia’s allegations. International news agencies have reported the claims as statements from Russian security officials.
The incident comes amid ongoing fighting between Russia and Ukraine and at a time when diplomatic efforts to reduce the conflict remain stalled. Observers say such accusations are likely to deepen mistrust and further strain relations between the two sides.