Kremlin blames Ukraine for Moscow attack on top GRU general

"This terrorist act has once again confirmed the Zelenskyy regime's focus on constant provocations aimed at disrupting the negotiation process," Lavrov said.

Russian authorities reported the attack earlier on Friday.

The Investigative Committee said an unidentified person fired multiple shots at Alekseev inside an apartment building on Volokolamskoye Highway in northwest Moscow before fleeing. Alekseev was hospitalized.

Russian Telegram channel Shot reported he was shot three times in the back in a building stairwell; other channels suggested a woman may have carried out the attack.

What is known about Vladimir Alekseev?

Alekseev, originally from Ukraine’s Vinnytsia Oblast, has served as first deputy head of the GRU since 2011.

Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence lists him as a war criminal responsible for intelligence support of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, including preparation of targeting data for strikes on Ukrainian territory and organizing so-called referendums to legitimize Russia’s occupation.

In 2022, Bulgarian journalist and Bellingcat investigator Christo Grozev reported that Alekseev oversaw private military companies fighting in Ukraine.

Investigations by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty identified him as one of the main “overseers” of all Russian “volunteer” formations operating in Ukraine.