Top Russian General Shot Multiple Times

A senior Russian military figure was shot multiple times in Moscow in an attack that Russian authorities have described as an attempted assassination, raising new questions about security in the capital as the war in Ukraine continues. The general was reportedly targeted at close range, with investigators saying the attacker fired several rounds before escaping.

Russian media reported that the shooting happened near or inside a residential building, suggesting the assailant had detailed knowledge of the victim's movements. Emergency services responded quickly and the wounded officer was rushed to hospital. Russian officials have not released full operational details, but reports indicate the general suffered severe injuries and remains in critical condition.

The wounded officer was identified in multiple reports as Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, a senior figure linked to Russia's military intelligence structure. He has been described as one of the highest-ranking officials to be attacked inside Moscow since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Authorities said Alekseyev was shot several times, with some reports indicating he underwent emergency surgery. Russian outlets reported that his condition remained serious following the operation. The attack immediately drew major attention in Moscow due to Alekseyev's profile and his reported involvement in key aspects of Russia's war effort. Investigators opened a criminal case and launched a search operation to locate the shooter.

Moscow quickly framed the shooting as part of what it describes as a broader campaign of sabotage and political violence linked to Ukraine. Russian officials accused Kyiv of being behind what they called a «terrorist act», without publicly presenting evidence. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov directly blamed Ukraine's leadership, saying:

«The attack against Lieutenant General Alekseyev confirmed the Zelensky regime's intention to disrupt the negotiations.»

The allegation echoed past Russian claims following similar incidents, in which the Kremlin has blamed Ukraine for attacks on military personnel, infrastructure, and officials on Russian territory. Ukraine has not publicly claimed responsibility for the incident.

Russian officials argued that such attacks are designed to destabilize the country and weaken public confidence in the state's ability to protect senior figures. The Kremlin has repeatedly used the term «terrorist» to describe actions it believes are intended to spread fear or send political messages, particularly when they take place far from the front lines. Russian media outlets amplified the accusations and suggested the operation may have been planned with foreign intelligence support.

While no independent verification has been provided publicly, Moscow has insisted that the attack fits a pattern of targeted operations against high-profile military and security personnel. The incident is expected to lead to tightened security measures in Moscow.

The shooting has also renewed focus on the expanding reach of the war, which has increasingly included covert operations and targeted attacks beyond the battlefield. Russia has faced multiple incidents involving explosions, shootings, and sabotage since the invasion began, including strikes in regions previously considered relatively secure. Analysts have noted that targeting senior officials carries symbolic weight and can have psychological impact, regardless of whether it changes military operations.

The attempted assassination of a top-ranking general in Moscow highlights how the conflict has evolved into a wider confrontation involving intelligence services, internal security structures, and messaging campaigns. It also comes at a time when Russia continues to intensify its military efforts in Ukraine.

It is also not the first time senior Russian commanders have been attacked since the war began. In previous high-profile cases, senior officers have been killed in bombings or targeted strikes, including incidents attributed by Russian authorities to Ukrainian-linked operations. One of the most prominent examples was Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who was killed in an explosion near Moscow in late 2024, a case that Russia condemned as terrorism and which Ukrainian sources reportedly claimed responsibility for. Other Russian commanders have also been killed closer to the front lines in occupied areas. The latest attack reinforces the sense that Russia's top military leadership is increasingly being targeted.

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