Russian General Vladimir Alexeyev Shot in Moscow Incident

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, the deputy head of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was shot outside his residence in Moscow on Friday. Following the attack, he was rushed to a hospital, but there has been no update regarding his condition. This incident marks a significant event in a series of violent attacks targeting military officials in Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The shooting occurred at a residential building on the north-west outskirts of the city, as confirmed by local authorities and the Moscow prosecutor’s office. Unknown assailants reportedly fired multiple shots at Alexeyev before fleeing the scene. The Investigative Committee of Russia has launched a criminal investigation into the attempted murder.

A spokesperson for the committee stated that an unidentified individual is believed to have been behind the attack. Investigators are currently examining CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to gather more information. A neighbour reported hearing several gunshots followed by a scream for help, describing how other residents rushed to assist and contact emergency services.

Vladimir Alexeyev has played a prominent role in various military operations, including overseeing intelligence efforts during Russia's operations in Ukraine and Syria. His responsibilities included liaising with the Wagner Group, a paramilitary organisation known for its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has expressed concern regarding the attack. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, mentioned that the President had been briefed on the situation and that they hope for Alexeyev's recovery.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has attributed the incident to Ukraine. However, Ukrainian officials have typically refrained from commenting on specific attacks while acknowledging the targeting of Russian military figures.

This incident follows a disturbing trend in which high-ranking military officials have been assassinated in Russia since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. Recent reports indicate that the security of such figures is increasingly at risk, with several attacks occurring in close proximity to their homes.

For instance, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was killed in December 2025 when a bomb detonated under his vehicle, illustrating the escalating violence against Russian military leadership. In another case, an Uzbek man was sentenced to life in prison for the 2024 assassination of Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian army's radiological and biological defence forces, highlighting the growing vulnerabilities among top military personnel.

As investigations into Alexeyev's shooting continue, the implications of such targeted attacks raise significant questions about the security and stability of the Russian military apparatus in the ongoing context of the conflict in Ukraine.