GRU Deputy Chief Shot in Moscow, Latest Blow to Russia’s Top Military Leaders

Russian Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, the first deputy head of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was shot and seriously wounded in Moscow by an unknown attacker at a residential building. He has been transferred to a city hospital and is in intensive care; a criminal case for attempted murder has been opened. Alekseyev, who has been sanctioned by the US and EU, played a role in Ukraine-related negotiations. The assault adds to a string of attacks on senior Russian military figures amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and follows recent trilateral talks in the region.