A senior Russian military intelligence official was shot and wounded in Moscow, adding to growing concerns about the safety of high-ranking officers as the war in Ukraine continues. Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev, 64, who serves as deputy chief of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, was attacked inside a residential building in the northwest part of the capital. Authorities said an unidentified gunman fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. Alekseyev was taken to a hospital, and while his exact condition has not been fully detailed, reports indicate that his injuries are serious.
Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that a criminal case has been opened and that officers are examining surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses in an effort to identify the attacker. A neighbor told reporters she was awakened by the sound of several gunshots and later heard people calling for help. Emergency services arrived soon after.
The shooting comes at a tense moment, just one day after representatives from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia held talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at easing the conflict. The discussions resulted in an agreement to restore high-level military communication between Washington and Moscow, which had been suspended since 2021. Russia’s delegation at the talks was led by Adm. Igor Kostyukov, who heads the country’s military intelligence service.
Russian officials quickly suggested that the attack may have been linked to the ongoing war. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described it as a “terrorist act” and claimed it was intended to disrupt negotiations. The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin had been informed and that security agencies were working to protect military personnel. Ukraine has not commented on the shooting, and no group has claimed responsibility.
Alekseyev is one of several senior Russian figures to be targeted in recent years. In December, Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov was killed when an explosive device detonated under his car in Moscow. Earlier, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik died in a similar attack in the Moscow region. In December 2024, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who led Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment. Ukrainian officials have acknowledged involvement in some past operations, though responsibility has not been confirmed in this latest case.
A career officer, Alekseyev has held a senior position within the GRU since 2011. He played an active role in Russia’s military operations abroad, including in Syria, and was involved in negotiations during the 2023 uprising led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. At the time, he was seen meeting with Prigozhin and later publicly criticized the rebellion, calling it an attempted coup.
Alekseyev has also been the subject of Western sanctions. The European Union sanctioned him in connection with the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom in 2018. The United States imposed sanctions as well, citing his alleged involvement in cyberattacks.
As investigators continue their search for the suspect, the attack has highlighted the ongoing risks faced by senior military officials inside Russia. With tensions still high and peace talks uncertain, the incident adds another layer of instability to an already strained environment.
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