Major Russian Military Intelligence Figure Shot
Russia’s military intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeev, was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot multiple times in a Moscow residential building, according to the Kremlin.
The incident occurred on Friday morning when the 64-year-old Alexeev was attacked on the 24th floor of a northwest Moscow building. Reports indicate that he sustained “several bullet wounds” and was quickly transported to a hospital. The State Investigative Committee has since initiated a case for attempted murder and illegal arms trafficking against him.
This shooting adds to a concerning trend where numerous Russian officials have faced attacks, either at home or in public, since Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Ukrainian intelligence services are often mentioned in connection with these incidents, though Ukraine has not made a public statement regarding this particular case as of now.
General Alexeev is noted for his significant role in the Russian Armed Forces’ Intelligence Directorate, which is responsible for foreign military operations. His involvement in the Ukraine invasion and the 2023 Wagner Group uprising has drawn attention, especially since the Wagner mercenaries, under Evgeny Prigozhin, had sought to revolt against Kremlin actions during the conflict.
The uprising ultimately did not succeed, and Prigozhin died shortly afterward under mysterious circumstances. Alexeev played a crucial role in attempting to negotiate with the Wagner forces directly, with some analyses suggesting he may have been a mentor to Prigozhin within the Russian military structure.
Most notably, General Alexeev is associated with the controversial Salisbury poisoning incident in the UK back in 2018. This notorious attack involved a nerve agent, Novichok, aimed at Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy living in Britain. While Skripal survived, the incident led to contamination, civilian casualties, and significant fallout, including police involvement due to exposure.
In response to the Salisbury attack, both Alexeev and his GRU superior were subjected to European sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes.
According to Ukraine’s “Peacemaker” website, which tracks figures they consider adversaries, Alexeev is labeled a “war criminal” for his actions against Ukraine, being identified as a leader of a subversive intelligence body.
The Kremlin has launched a search for the assailant who fled the scene of Friday’s shooting. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for President Putin, confirmed that the president is aware of the incident, signaling a recognition of the dangers military personnel face during these conflict-driven times.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov linked the shooting to ongoing peace talks, suggesting that the attack reflects Ukraine’s lack of seriousness regarding negotiations. He described the incident as a “terrorist act,” asserting that it demonstrated Ukraine’s intent to disrupt peace efforts.
This assertion from Lavrov seems to contain an element of irony, especially considering that Ukraine has made similar accusations against Russia for continued aggression during negotiations.
General Alexeev’s shooting follows a trend of high-profile attacks on military officials, including the assassination of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvalov last December. This has been framed by Ukraine as part of a “liquidation” strategy targeting perceived traitors from both Russian and Ukrainian sides.
Further incidents have been reported, highlighting the dangers for military figures in the current geopolitical climate, suggesting a turbulent and violent backdrop to the ongoing conflict.
