Russian Intelligence General Vladimir Alekseyev Shot in Moscow Assassination Attempt

According to Russian authorities, the deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence (GRU) has been seriously injured in an assassination attempt in Moscow.

Foreign news agencies report that an unknown assailant shot Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev near his residence. Following the attack, he was immediately transferred to a hospital, where his condition is currently described as critical. Investigators stated that the attacker fired several shots at Alekseev before fleeing the scene.

Authorities noted that Lieutenant General Alekseev, 64, played a direct role in key decision-making related to the war in Ukraine. A decorated officer, he was previously awarded the title of “Hero of Russia” by President Vladimir Putin.

Alekseev has a history of international friction; the United States imposed sanctions on him for alleged Russian cyber interference in the 2016 presidential election. Similarly, the European Union sanctioned him in connection with the 2018 poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blamed Ukraine for the assassination attempt, characterizing it as an effort to sabotage ongoing peace talks. There has been no immediate reaction from Ukrainian officials regarding the incident.