Attack on Russian Army General Raises Questions Amidst Ongoing Military Tensions

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy commander of the Russian Army General Staff, has been hospitalized with gunshot wounds following an attack in Moscow, according to the Russian Investigative Committee (RIC). The incident occurred on Volokolamsk Highway, where an unidentified individual fired several shots at the general before fleeing the scene. Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko confirmed that Alexeyev was urgently transported to a local hospital for treatment. Alexeyev, a prominent figure in the Russian military, is recognized for his attempt to negotiate with Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, during the paramilitary rebellion in mid-2023. His past actions have led to significant scrutiny, including being placed under European Union sanctions after accusations of the GRU's involvement in a nerve agent attack in Salisbury, UK, in 2018. As investigators and forensic teams from the RIC work at the crime scene, they are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to identify those responsible for the attack. Petrenko announced that a criminal investigation has been initiated for attempted murder and illegal arms trafficking; however, no motives have been disclosed yet. There are speculations surrounding the possibility of Ukrainian involvement, as several high-ranking Russian military officials have suffered similar fates in recent years due to attacks linked to Ukrainian military intelligence. Although Kiev has not officially claimed responsibility, there have been public celebrations of such incidents, raising tensions between the two nations. The most recent high-profile casualties include General Fanil Sarvarov, who was killed in a car bombing in December 2022, and Lieutenant General Igor Kirilov, assassinated on December 17, 2024, among others. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what the implications of this attack on Alexeyev will be for the Russian military and its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2