In a major security breach within the Russian capital, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, the First Deputy Head of the GRU (military intelligence), was shot and critically wounded today, February 6, 2026.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Profile: Who is Vladimir Alekseyev?
Alekseyev isn’t just a bureaucrat; he is a veteran operative with a significant portfolio:
- Special Operations: He has overseen the GRU’s most sensitive “wetwork” and covert units for over a decade.
- Wagner Connection: He was a primary intermediary between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Wagner Group.
- International Sanctions: He is under heavy Western sanctions for his alleged involvement in the 2018 Salisbury poisonings and interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.
Why the Timing Matters
The attack occurred just 24 hours after peace negotiations concluded in Abu Dhabi. Alekseyev’s direct boss, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, headed the Russian delegation at those talks. This has led to intense speculation:
- Foreign Sabotage: The Kremlin has already labeled this a “terrorist act” by Ukraine aimed at destabilizing the fragile peace process.
- Internal Friction: Analysts are also looking at potential internal power struggles within the Russian security apparatus, especially given the recent string of high-profile military assassinations.
Security Failures
This incident adds to a growing list of security lapses targeting top brass in Moscow over the last 14 months:
| Date | Target | Outcome |
| Feb 6, 2026 | Lt. Gen. Alekseyev | Shot (Critical Condition) |
| Dec 2025 | Lt. Gen. Sarvarov | Killed by car bomb |
| Dec 2024 | Lt. Gen. Kirillov | Killed by explosive device |
