Russian general shot multiple times in Moscow

A senior figure in Russia’s military intelligence has been wounded after being shot several times in Moscow, prompting a swift security response and a wide-ranging investigation by Russian authorities.

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, 64, who serves as the deputy head of the GRU, Russia’s main military intelligence directorate, was taken to hospital following the attack at a residential block of flats in the north-western outskirts of the capital. Officials said he is in a serious condition but receiving medical care, while the assailant managed to flee the scene.

The shooting took place in an area close to Volokolamsk Highway, where investigators quickly sealed off sections of the neighbourhood as forensic teams began examining evidence. Russia’s Investigative Committee (SK) confirmed that a criminal case has been opened on charges of attempted murder.

“The victim has been taken to one of the city’s hospitals,” said SK spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko, adding that investigators are analysing CCTV footage from the surrounding area and interviewing potential witnesses in an effort to identify and locate the attacker.

Alexeyev is the latest high-ranking military figure to be targeted in or near Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A number of senior officials and individuals linked to the military and security services have faced attacks in recent years, raising concerns within Russia about internal security and the personal safety of top figures.

While no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the shooting, senior Russian officials were quick to accuse Ukraine, arguing that such attacks are intended to destabilise the situation and undermine ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the war. Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the allegation.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, Russian officials have sought to project confidence that the investigation will yield results. Law enforcement agencies said significant resources have been deployed, with detectives working through surveillance material and witness accounts to reconstruct the attacker’s movements before and after the shooting.