A Russian general, Vladimir Alekseev, was shot in his Moscow home, Russian authorities reported Friday. He was subsequently hospitalized following the attack.
An unidentified assailant fired “several shots” at Alekseev before fleeing the scene, according to the Russian Investigative Committee. Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko stated that an investigation into the circumstances and the search for the perpetrator(s) is underway.
Lavrov Points Finger at Zelensky
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov directly blamed Kyiv for the attack, stating on Russian television Friday that “This terrorist attack once again confirms the Zelensky regime’s focus on constant provocations aimed at derailing the negotiation process.”
© Imago/Sofyya Surves
The attack on Alekseev occurred at a particularly sensitive juncture: negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine concluded Thursday in Abu Dhabi, Persian Gulf. The Russian delegation was led by Igor Kostyukov, head of the Russian military intelligence service GRU, and Alekseev’s direct superior.
The Ukrainian Secret Service (HUR) reportedly identified Alekseev as a key figure responsible for coordinating missile and air strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets, according to information cited by media outlets such as “United24 Media” via X. He is currently wanted in Kyiv in connection with providing data for those strikes.
What Do We Know About the Attack?
According to reports from the Telegram channel Mash, which has close ties to Russian security agencies, the general was shot several times in the back while standing in front of an elevator in his Moscow apartment building. This information has not been independently verified.
© Reuters/Anastasia Barashkova
Mash reported that Alekseev lost a significant amount of blood as a result of at least three gunshot wounds – two to the stomach and one to the leg.
State television station RT reported that Alekseev is in critical condition. The Kremlin has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the investigation’s progress.
Who is Vladimir Alekseyev?
Alekseev was born in what is now Ukraine, though he spent his entire military career within Russia, beginning in the Soviet era. He most recently served as the deputy head of the army intelligence service GRU.
Alekseev was involved in the Russian military operations in Syria, leading intelligence efforts in the Middle East.
Following the 2023 uprising by the Wagner mercenary group against Russian army leadership, Alekseev participated in negotiations with then-Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Media reports indicate that after the start of the war in Ukraine, ordered by President Putin, Alekseev was also responsible for the formation and organization of so-called volunteer battalions.
Several senior Russian military officials have been assassinated since the start of the war in Ukraine, with Moscow consistently blaming Kyiv for these attacks.
