Russian Investigation into Assassination Attempt
Russia has revealed plans to “interrogate” two individuals suspected in the assassination attempt of a high-ranking military intelligence officer, who was attacked in Moscow recently, according to a local newspaper.
Kommersant, a Russian publication, cited sources connected to the investigation, noting that the suspects in the shooting death of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeev are set to be questioned shortly.
Reports indicate that these individuals could face charges as a result of the ongoing investigation. The Deputy Director of the Russian GRU Military Intelligence Service, Alekseev, was hospitalized after being shot multiple times in his apartment.
Details from Kommersant state that the assailant, disguised as a delivery person, attacked Alekseev in the stairwell of his building. He was shot in the leg and arm, then again in the chest as he attempted to seize the weapon. After the shooting, the perpetrator fled the scene.
On Saturday, reports confirmed that Alekseev underwent successful surgery, and while he regained consciousness, he remains under medical care. A Russian news agency, TASS, reported that his injuries are not life-threatening.
The Investigative Committee has launched a criminal inquiry into charges of attempted murder and illegal weapon trafficking concerning this incident.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Ukraine of orchestrating the assassination attempt, claiming, although without providing evidence, that it aimed to disrupt peace negotiations. Ukraine has firmly denied any involvement.
Alekseev, who is 64, is under U.S. sanctions due to allegations related to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Additionally, the European Union sanctioned him for his role in the 2018 poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England.
This assassination attempt occurred during a time when the U.S. administration has been attempting to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine. Recently, both sides agreed to a prisoner exchange, as noted in a post by U.S. Presidential Peace Envoy Steve Witkov and Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Minister Rustem Umerov.
