According to Russian authorities, an unidentified assailant opened fire on Alexeyev, hitting him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Emergency services rushed him to a hospital, where his condition remains critical.
Investigators suggest that the attack may be linked to Alexeyev’s high-profile role in making key decisions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The 64 year old general, a recipient of the prestigious ‘Hero of Russia’ award, has long been considered a central figure in Russia’s military strategy.
Alexeyev is no stranger to international scrutiny. The United States imposed sanctions on him over alleged interference in the 2016 presidential elections, while the European Union penalized him for his alleged involvement in the 2018 poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, UK.
Reacting to the attack, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Ukraine of orchestrating the assault, claiming it was an attempt to sabotage ongoing peace negotiations. Ukraine, however, has not issued an official response.
Security analysts describe the incident as a rare breach in the usually tight circle of Russia’s intelligence leadership, highlighting potential vulnerabilities at the highest levels of the military hierarchy.
