Russian General Shot Several Times in Moscow
A high-profile incident has unfolded in Moscow, where Russian Defence Ministry Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev was shot several times, leaving him wounded. This attack marks a significant event in the ongoing turmoil of military unrest in Russia.
– Immediate Medical Response: Following the shooting, Alexeyev was rushed to a hospital, but details regarding his condition remain unclear.
– Role and Background: Lt Gen Alexeyev serves as the second-in-command of Russia’s GRU military intelligence. He is the latest high-ranking military official to be targeted since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. He has previously been subjected to European Union and UK sanctions due to the GRU’s involvement in the 2018 nerve agent attack in Salisbury, UK.
– Official Investigation: Svetlana Petrenko from Russia’s Investigations Committee confirmed that a criminal case for attempted murder has been initiated. The perpetrator managed to escape, prompting investigators to review CCTV footage and consult witnesses.
– Eyewitness Accounts: A nearby resident reported being awakened by the sound of “several” gunshots, followed by another neighbour calling for help. Neighbours quickly responded, and some attempted to assist while emergency services were contacted.
– Involvement in Military Operations: Alexeyev has played a pivotal role in the ongoing war in Ukraine, participating in negotiations during the siege of Mariupol in 2022. He also engaged in discussions with Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, who led a violent mutiny in June 2023.
– Reactions from Officials: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported that President Vladimir Putin is being kept informed about the situation. Peskov stated, “We wish first of all that the general survives and recovers. We hope that will be the case.”
– Possible Perpetrators: While it remains unclear who is responsible for the shooting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Ukraine of involvement. However, Kyiv has not issued any comments, although it has previously claimed responsibility for other attacks on Russian military personnel.
– Related Incidents: Russian intelligence officials disclosed they had prevented an attack on a soldier in St. Petersburg recently. Moreover, an Uzbek man was sentenced in January for the 2024 assassination of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov during an explosion outside a residential building in Moscow. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence asserted responsibility for that attack, as well. Additionally, Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov was killed by a car bomb in December 2025, another indication of the dangerous climate surrounding military leaders in Russia.
The shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev highlights the escalating violence and uncertainties enveloping Russia’s military landscape, leaving many to ponder the implications for national security and political stability. As the investigation unfolds, attention turns to the potential ramifications of this high-profile attack.