MOSCOW, Feb. 6 (GeokHub) — A senior Russian military intelligence official was shot and wounded inside his apartment building in Moscow on Friday, authorities said, prompting renewed security concerns amid ongoing tensions linked to the war in Ukraine.
Investigators said an unidentified assailant fired multiple shots at Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, the deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency, commonly known as the GRU, before fleeing the scene. Alexeyev was taken to hospital and was reported to be in serious condition.
Alexeyev, 64, holds one of the most senior roles within Russia’s intelligence establishment and has been directly involved in overseeing aspects of Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine. His service has previously been recognised by President Vladimir Putin, who awarded him the title of Hero of Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack, describing it as an attempt to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. Ukraine did not immediately comment on the allegation.
Western governments have previously imposed sanctions on Alexeyev. The United States sanctioned him over alleged cyber interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, while the European Union cited his alleged role in the 2018 poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom.
Russian authorities said the Kremlin had been briefed on the incident and that intelligence and law-enforcement agencies were investigating. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said senior military officials remained at heightened risk during wartime, calling the matter one for Russia’s security services.
The shooting has intensified public debate in Russia over the protection of high-ranking officials, particularly as several senior figures have been targeted in or near Moscow since late 2024.
Alexeyev has also been known for his role as a key liaison between the defence ministry and the Wagner mercenary group during the early stages of the Ukraine conflict, including during the brief mutiny led by Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023.
