Russian general shot and wounded in Moscow, in latest attack on top military leaders
Shooting of Russian Military Intelligence Deputy Head Sparks Allegations
A Russian general serving as deputy head of military intelligence was shot and seriously wounded in Moscow on Friday, officials confirmed. This incident marks the latest attack targeting high-ranking military figures in Russia.
Attack Details and Initial Response
An unknown attacker fired several shots at Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev in a residential building on Volokolamskoye Highway, according to a Russian Investigative Committee spokesperson. The assailant fled the scene after the attack, which occurred in a Moscow neighborhood.
“Our officers are at the scene and investigators are searching for the shooter,” stated the Investigative Committee. The committee has opened a criminal case into the attempted murder of a high-ranking defense ministry official.
Accusations Against Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the Ukrainian government of orchestrating the attack, though he did not provide evidence to support his claim. Ukrainian authorities have remained silent on the incident.
Victim’s Condition and Background
Alekseyev, 64, was transferred to a city hospital and is currently in intensive care, with Russian state media reporting he is in serious condition. As first deputy head of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), Alekseyev has been a key figure in military operations.
Sanctions and Previous Involvements
Alekseyev was sanctioned by the United States in 2016 for cyber activities aimed at undermining US democratic processes. He was also targeted by the European Union in January 2019 following the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, England, which the British government attributed to GRU agents. The EU described him as “responsible for the possession, transport and use in Salisbury… of the toxic nerve agent ‘Novichok’ by officers from the GRU,” alongside sanctioned military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov.
Role in the Ukraine Conflict
Alekseyev played a significant role in the war in Ukraine, participating in secret negotiations with a Ukrainian parliament member to end Russia’s 2022 siege of Mariupol. Ukrainian intelligence reports allege he was involved in organizing missile and air strikes on Ukrainian territory, including civilian targets, and facilitating illegal referenda in occupied regions. Ukraine has also accused him of war crimes in Syria.
2023 Negotiations and Statements
In 2023, Alekseyev was dispatched to negotiate with Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner mercenary group, during the group’s mutiny. At the time, he labeled Prigozhin’s actions as a coup and a “stab in the back of the country and the president.”
Kremlin Response
“The intelligence services are investigating the attack and will report any findings to Russian President Vladimir Putin,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during a Friday press briefing. He added: “We wish the general survival and recovery.”
It is clear that such military leaders and high…