The Russian Investigative Committee has confirmed that a high-ranking military intelligence official was shot and critically wounded in central Moscow on Friday morning. Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, the 64-year-old Deputy Head of the GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate), was rushed to emergency surgery following a targeted ambush in his apartment building.
🚨🇷🇺 Assassination Attempt on Top Russian Spy in Moscow
Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy head of the GRU and in charge of Russia’s missile and special forces operations, was shot multiple times and is now in critical condition in hospital.
The attacker escaped, and… pic.twitter.com/7ozyfVSxwo
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 6, 2026
The Incident
According to law enforcement sources cited by Kommersant, an unidentified gunman—potentially posing as a food delivery courier—ambushed Gen. Alexeyev as he left for work. During a physical struggle with the assailant, Alexeyev sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, arm, and leg. The gunman fled the scene and remains at large.
The Kremlin has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the situation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “Military commanders and high-level specialists are at risk during wartime,” while acknowledging the ongoing investigation by special services.
Russia’s Federal Security Service said that the men suspected of shooting one of the country’s most senior military intelligence officers had confessed that they were carrying out orders from the Security Service of Ukraine https://t.co/XJLQhNFFQz
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 9, 2026
A High-Profile Target
Lt. Gen. Alexeyev is a decorated “Hero of Russia” and a pivotal figure in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. His career has been marked by international controversy, leading to:
- US Sanctions: Imposed for his alleged role in cyber interference during the 2016 US Presidential election.
- EU Sanctions: Imposed following the 2018 Salisbury poisoning of Sergei Skripal.
Geopolitical Implications and Peace Talks
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has directly accused Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating the hit, characterizing the attack as a deliberate attempt to “sabotage” delicate diplomatic efforts.
The timing of the attack is particularly sensitive as Alexeyev’s superior, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, is currently in Abu Dhabi leading the Russian delegation in security negotiations with Ukraine. Analysts suggest the attempt on Alexeyev’s life may be intended to destabilize the Russian command structure during these critical peace talks.
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Growing Security Concerns
The shooting has ignited a firestorm of criticism among Russian war bloggers and the public regarding the security protocols for high-ranking officials. Despite the apartment building’s high-end surveillance systems, the assailant successfully infiltrated the premises, raising urgent questions about the vulnerability of the Kremlin’s inner military circle.
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