Putin General Shot in Moscow Street Was Behind Salisbury Poisonings
General Vladimir Alexeyev, a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been gunned down in a daylight assassination attempt on a Moscow highway. The 64-year-old lieutenant general, who is believed to have orchestrated the deadly 2018 Salisbury poisonings in the UK, was shot three times in the chest as he exited his apartment building.
Daylight Attack on Volokolamsk Highway
The shooting occurred at approximately 7am on Volokolamsk Highway, northwest of the Russian capital. Alexeyev was leaving his 24th-floor apartment when an assailant opened fire before speeding away from the scene. Bystanders reported hearing gunshots followed by cries for help, with one witness describing finding the general lying covered in blood while a neighbour screamed for an ambulance.
Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the attempted murder, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirming that Putin has been briefed on the shooting. "We wish first of all that the general survives and recovers. We hope that will be the case," Peskov stated.
Connection to Salisbury Novichok Attack
General Alexeyev is believed to have been the mastermind behind the 2018 Salisbury poisonings that targeted former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. The attack involved the military-grade chemical weapon Novichok, which was spread on the door handle of the Skripals' Salisbury home by two Russian operatives identified as Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov.
The Novichok, stored in a perfume bottle, was later found by Charlie Rowley, who gave it to his partner Dawn Sturgess as a gift. Tragically, Ms Sturgess died from exposure to the nerve agent, while Mr Rowley and both Skripals eventually recovered. The UK and European Union have previously accused Alexeyev of pulling the strings of the operation from Russia.
Decorated War Hero and Sanctioned Figure
In Russia, Alexeyev has been hailed as a war hero, receiving the Hero of the Russian Federation award from Putin for "courage and heroism demonstrated in the performance of military duty." However, internationally he has faced significant sanctions. The United States sanctioned him in 2016 for overseeing "malicious cyber activities" during the US presidential election.
According to Russian media reports, Alexeyev had been responsible for gathering intelligence for bombing raids in Ukraine and staging "referendums" in territories occupied by Russian forces. His role extended beyond the Salisbury attack to include multiple international incidents that have drawn condemnation from Western nations.
Investigation and Possible Motives
Russian authorities are investigating whether the shooting was carried out by Ukrainian operatives or represents an internal attack. Svetlana Petrenko of Russia's Investigations Committee confirmed that an attempted murder investigation has been opened, noting that the victim has been hospitalised at one of Moscow's medical facilities.
The attack on Alexeyev represents a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly given his alleged involvement in the Salisbury poisonings that resulted in the death of a British citizen. As the investigation continues, questions remain about who ordered the attack and whether it represents retaliation for his international operations or internal Russian power struggles.
