MOSCOW: Russian authorities report that the deputy leader of the country’s Military Intelligence Directorate (GRU) was critically injured in an attack that took place in Moscow.
The incident involved an unknown assailant opening fire near the home of Lieutenant General Vladimir Aleksiev, resulting in severe injuries. The attack prompted immediate emergency services response, and Aleksiev was transported to a hospital for urgent medical care.
According to officials, the attacker discharged multiple shots before fleeing the scene. The general remains in a precarious condition in the hospital. Officials emphasized Aleksiev’s prominent role in influential military decisions, particularly those concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The 64-year-old officer has previously received the “Hero of Russia” award from President Vladimir Putin.
Notably, the United States imposed sanctions on Aleksiev in 2016, citing allegations of Russian cyber meddling in the U.S. presidential elections. The European Union also targeted him in 2018 due to his involvement in the Salisbury poisoning incident, which targeted former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pointed fingers at Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of orchestrating the attack as part of efforts to undermine peace negotiations.
At this time, Kyiv has not issued any official statements regarding the incident.
