MOSCOW — Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev, the high-ranking “number two” of Russia’s GRU military intelligence, is currently fighting for his life following a brazen assassination attempt in northwest Moscow. The hit, executed with professional precision, has sent shockwaves through the Kremlin’s security apparatus.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Ambush: A “Courier” Hit
The attack unfolded on Friday, February 6, 2026, in the stairwell of Alekseyev’s residential building.
- The Disguise: Preliminary investigations suggest the gunman disguised himself as a food delivery courier to bypass building security.
- The Shooting: As Alekseyev entered the stairwell, the assailant fired multiple rounds. The General sustained critical wounds to the chest, arm, and foot.
- Medical Status: Following emergency surgery, Alekseyev remains in a medically induced coma in a high-security military hospital.
Who is Vladimir Alekseyev?
Alekseyev isn’t just any general; he is a cornerstone of Russia’s modern shadow warfare.
- The Syria & Ukraine Architect: He was a primary coordinator for Russian intelligence operations in both the Syrian Civil War and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- The Wagner Negotiator: He gained international notoriety for his cool-headed (and filmed) negotiations with Yevgeny Prigozhin during the 2023 Wagner Mutiny.
- Western Target: He has long been on Western “most wanted” lists for his alleged role in the 2018 Salisbury Novichok poisoning.
Geopolitical Fallout: Peace vs. Purge
The timing of the shooting—occurring exactly one day after the conclusion of the Abu Dhabi peace talks—has led to fierce speculation regarding the motive:
| Theory | Proposed By | Rationale |
| Ukrainian Sabotage | Kremlin Officials | An attempt to destabilize the Russian military command and derail the newfound momentum for a ceasefire. |
| Internal Infighting | Ukrainian Intelligence | Suggests a “cleansing” of the old guard or a power struggle between the GRU and the FSB. |
| The “Third Party” | Independent Analysts | Potential retaliation from remnants of the Wagner Group or internal hardliners opposed to peace concessions. |
The Security Vacuum
This marks the third major attack on a high-ranking Russian general in Moscow within the last year. The failure to protect a figure as central as the GRU’s Deputy Chief suggests a significant breach in domestic counter-intelligence.
