Russia’s military intelligence chief who oversaw a series of notorious operations abroad has died after a long illness, with Moscow praising him on Thursday as a “great man” and a patriot.
Igor Korobov, 62, had headed the defence ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) since 2016 and was the target of US sanctions.
He died on Wednesday after a “long and serious illness,” the ministry said.
Korobov’s 57-year-old first deputy, Vice Admiral Igor Kostyukov, has been appointed acting GRU chief and is likely become his successor, state news agency TASS said, citing a military source.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu expressed his condolences.