GRU Deputy Chief Alexeev critically wounded in Moscow assassination attempt

General Vladimir Alexeev, the First Deputy Head of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was the target of an assassination attempt at a Moscow residential complex on Feb. 6.

Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, reported that an unidentified assailant fired several shots at Alexeev at the entrance of an apartment building on Volokolamskoye Boulevard before fleeing the scene. Alexeev, who sustained severe injuries in the attack, was rushed to a hospital where he remains under medical care.

Forensic experts and investigators are currently processing the scene, reviewing security camera footage, and conducting interviews with eyewitnesses.

The Russian Investigative Committee announced that a criminal case has been opened in connection with the attack under the Russian Criminal Code for attempted murder (Article 30, Clause 3 and Article 105, Clause 1) and the illegal trafficking of firearms (Article 222, Clause 1).

“Investigative activities and operational search efforts are being rigorously conducted to identify the individual or individuals responsible for this crime,” Petrenko stated in a press release.

Alexeev has been a top GRU figure since 2011

Vladimir Alexeev has served as the First Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces since 2011. Awarded the title of Hero of Russia in 2017, he is regarded as one of the intelligence community’s most senior and strategic figures.

Security measures have been significantly increased across the northwest Moscow district where the shooting occurred. Law enforcement agencies are currently engaged in a large-scale operation to apprehend the suspect.