Senior GRU General Shot in Moscow Amid Fragile Peace Talks
Senior GRU General Shot in Moscow Amid Fragile Peace Talks
On February 6, 2026, GRU Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev was shot in an apparent assassination attempt at a Moscow apartment building.
The gunman, reportedly disguised as a delivery worker, shot the senior intelligence official several times before fleeing. Alekseyev remains in critical condition.
Russian investigators have linked the shooting to Ukrainian special services, noting the professional nature of the hit. In response to the attack, the Kremlin has ordered an immediate security review for all high-ranking military officials. President Putin has been kept briefed on the general’s medical status.
The shooting occurred just 24 hours after major peace negotiations concluded in Abu Dhabi between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
This sudden violence has cast a shadow over the diplomatic progress made during those talks. Many fear the event will lead to a new escalation in the conflict.
Addressing the incident, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said “it would be up to law enforcement agencies to pursue the investigation but described it as an apparent ‘terrorist act’ by Ukraine intended to derail peace talks.” Moscow continues to maintain that Kyiv is targeting high-profile figures to disrupt stability.
While Ukraine has not officially commented on the shooting, Moscow remains on high alert as the manhunt for the assailant continues. The assassination attempt highlights the growing security risks within the Russian capital as the war nears the end of its fourth year.
