Russia Accuses Ukraine of Moscow Assassination Attempt on Top GRU Official
A high-ranking Russian military intelligence official is fighting for his life in hospital following an attempted assassination in his Moscow apartment on Friday. Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, the deputy head of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, was shot multiple times by an unidentified gunman who fled the scene, according to investigators. This incident marks the latest in a series of assassination attempts that Russia has attributed to Ukrainian operatives.
Targeted Official and International Sanctions
Alexeyev, aged 64, has previously been honoured by President Vladimir Putin with the prestigious Hero of Russia award. His senior position within the GRU meant he was deeply involved in overseeing Russia's military operations in Ukraine. Born in Ukraine when it was still part of the Soviet Union, Alexeyev has faced significant international scrutiny. The United States imposed sanctions on him for his alleged role in Russian cyber interference during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Additionally, the European Union sanctioned him in connection with the 2018 poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England.
Russian Allegations and Ukrainian Silence
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has publicly accused Ukraine of being behind the assassination attempt, claiming without presenting evidence that it was designed to undermine ongoing peace negotiations. There has been no immediate response or comment from Ukrainian officials regarding these allegations. Since the conflict began in 2022, Ukrainian military intelligence has openly claimed responsibility for targeting several senior Russian officers, some of whom were listed publicly as enemies of Ukraine.
Details of the Attack and Security Concerns
According to reports from the Kommersant daily, citing law enforcement sources, the attacker was lying in wait when Alexeyev left his apartment for work. During a struggle, Alexeyev sustained gunshot wounds to his arm, leg, and chest. The Kremlin has stated that President Putin has been briefed on the shooting and that Russia's intelligence services are conducting a thorough investigation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope for Alexeyev's recovery, noting that military commanders face inherent risks during wartime but emphasising that security measures fall under the purview of special services rather than the Kremlin.
This incident has sparked questions about security protocols for high-profile figures in Russia. Pro-Kremlin journalists, war bloggers, and members of the public have voiced concerns over why such important officials are not better protected. One commenter, identified as Ludmila, questioned the lack of security guards, stating this was not an isolated occurrence. A neighbour named Alessandra mentioned that CCTV in the apartment building was operational, countering unconfirmed reports that the gunman gained access by posing as a food delivery courier.
Broader Context and Recent Assassinations
Alexeyev's boss, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of the GRU, has been leading Russia's delegation in security-related peace talks with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi. The latest round of discussions concluded on Thursday, with the Kremlin describing them as constructive and indicating that negotiations would continue. Since December 2024, three other officials of similar rank to Alexeyev have been killed in or near Moscow, including the head of the General Staff's army training directorate, who died from a car bomb on December 22 last year.
Alexeyev was notably responsible for managing relations between the Russian Defence Ministry and the Wagner mercenary group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Wagner forces were involved in some of the most intense battles during the early stages of the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin, who was critical of the Russian defence establishment, staged a mutiny in June 2023, during which Alexeyev was among the officials sent to negotiate with him. The mutiny ultimately collapsed, and Prigozhin died in a plane crash two months later.
