Senior Russian intelligence chief Vladimir Alekseyev shot in Moscow apartment block - who is he?

A senior Russian general was shot multiple times inside an apartment building in Moscow on Friday morning in what officials described as an apparent assassination attempt.

Russia’s Investigative Committee said “an unidentified individual fired several shots” at Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev before fleeing the scene. “The victim has been hospitalised,” the agency said, adding that efforts were under way to identify those responsible. Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko confirmed that “investigative actions and operational search measures” were ongoing.


Alekseyev serves as First Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff and has held senior intelligence roles, including overseeing operations linked to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. He previously led intelligence efforts during Russia’s intervention in Syria and was dispatched to negotiate with Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin during his 2023 mutiny.

Several high-ranking Russian military figures have been targeted since Moscow launched its full-scale offensive against Ukraine in February 2022. Kyiv has claimed responsibility for some previous attacks.