A senior Russian military intelligence official, Vladimir Alexeyev, was shot and critically wounded in Moscow on Friday, prompting an investigation and raising security concerns within Russia.Alexeyev, a first deputy chief of the GRU – Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate – was reportedly targeted near his apartment by an assailant posing as a delivery courier. The attack comes as tensions remain high following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amid reciprocal accusations of cross-border violence,with Moscow instantly blaming Kyiv for the attempt on Alexeyev’s life.
A senior Russian military intelligence official, Vladimir Alexeyev, was shot in Moscow on Friday and is currently hospitalized in critical condition, according to reports. The attack on a high-ranking figure within Russia’s GRU intelligence agency raises questions about security within the country and comes amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine.
The shooting occurred in a residential area on the northwest side of Moscow, with the assailant fleeing the scene after multiple shots were fired, according to reports. Sources close to security services, cited by RFE/RL, indicate the incident took place on a staircase as the general was leaving his apartment.
Kommersant, a Russian newspaper, reports the attacker gained access to the building by posing as a food delivery courier. Alexeyev sustained injuries to his arm and leg, and was also shot in the chest after attempting to disarm the attacker. Earlier reports had indicated injuries to his back.
“Before paramedics arrived, Alexeyev lost a significant amount of blood,” RFE/RL reported, citing information from the Telegram channel Baza. The general is reportedly in serious condition in intensive care, with one bullet having struck a vital organ.
Lavrov Accuses Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has blamed Ukraine for the shooting, stating that “this terrorist attack once again confirmed the focus of the (President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy regime on constant provocations, the purpose of which is to disrupt the negotiation process,” according to state news agency TASS. Lavrov did not provide any evidence to support his claim, Reuters noted.
Kyiv has yet to comment on the incident.
“If confirmed that Ukrainian intelligence services are behind the attack, Alexeyev would be the fifth high-ranking Russian general targeted by Ukrainian intelligence,” said Czech Television correspondent Karel Rožánek. “This is likely a message to Russian society that military officials and officers cannot be certain of their safety even in the heart of Russia.”
Moscow has repeatedly accused Kyiv of attacks on Russian military officials, with the Ukrainian military intelligence agency claiming responsibility for some of those incidents.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the investigation into the attempted assassination of Alexeyev, according to RIA Novosti.
Links to Wagner Group
Alexeyev serves as the first deputy chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation – commonly known as the GRU, according to Meduza.
He has been identified by media reports as a key figure overseeing Russian “volunteer” formations involved in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian military intelligence also suspects Alexeyev of “organizing the preparation of data for missile and air strikes on Ukrainian territory.”
Alexeyev was sanctioned by the United States in 2016 for alleged interference in the U.S. presidential elections. He was also sanctioned by the European Union in 2019 for his alleged involvement in the attempted poisoning of Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, UK.
During the Wagner Group’s rebellion in June 2023, Alexeyev recorded a video message for Wagner fighters and engaged in direct communication with the group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who later died in a plane crash under unclear circumstances.
Alexeyev also participated in the Russian military operation in Syria supporting the regime of Bashar al-Assad and was awarded the title Hero of the Russian Federation in 2017, Meduza reported.
Alexeyev’s superior, Igor Kostyukov, currently leads the Russian delegation in negotiations with the United States and Ukraine, with the latest round of talks held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday, RFE/RL noted.
