Russian general shot in suspected assassination attempt – officials

A senior Russian military intelligence general has been injured after being targeted by a gunman in a suspected assassination attempt in Moscow on Friday, the Investigative Committee has said.

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseev, first deputy chief of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was shot several times in the back outside his residence in the western part of the capital, the statement said. It added that Alekseev has been taken to the hospital but did not offer further details on his condition.

Officials stated that the shooter had fled the scene and is being sought by police. Investigators and forensic teams are working at the scene.

While Russian officials have not identified those responsible, Ukrainian intelligence has previously branded Alekseev an “international criminal.” Kiev has also been linked to past assassination plots targeting Russian officials and military commanders. 

Alekseev, 64, is one of Russia’s most senior military intelligence officials, having served as first deputy head of the GRU since 2011 – a role in which he oversaw anti-terrorist operations in Syria. In 2017, he was awarded the title Hero of the Russian Federation, one of the country’s highest distinctions.