Moscow Shooting Targets Top GRU Deputy Chief
A senior Russian military intelligence official was seriously wounded early Friday in Moscow after an unidentified gunman opened fire outside his apartment building, authorities reported. Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, who serves as the first deputy head of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was struck several times and rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators have launched a criminal inquiry and are searching for the assailant, who fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Details of the Attack and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting occurred in the northwest sector of Russia’s capital in the stairwell of a residential block. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and seeing Alekseyev gravely wounded before medics arrived. Law enforcement officials confirmed that multiple shots were fired, but they have not yet released information on a suspect or motive. A criminal case has been opened amid efforts to review CCTV footage and interview eyewitnesses.
This incident marks the latest high-profile security breach targeting Russian military leadership, following a series of deadly attacks on top officers since late 2024. In recent months, several lieutenant generals have been killed by explosive devices in and around Moscow. Russian authorities have often attributed such attacks to Ukrainian forces, though independent verification remains limited.
Alekseyev’s Role and Broader Context
Alekseyev, 64, has held his senior intelligence position since 2011 and has been closely involved in key strategic operations, including Russia’s military engagements abroad and internal intelligence coordination. He was awarded the prestigious Hero of the Russian Federation for his past service, including leadership roles in Syria and during internal security challenges involving the Wagner Group.
The shooting comes just after international peace talks involving Russian and Ukrainian delegates concluded in Abu Dhabi, adding a geopolitical layer to the incident. Kremlin officials have informed President Vladimir Putin about the attack and emphasized the need for heightened protections for senior defense personnel amid ongoing conflict dynamics and intelligence tensions.
