Russian military intelligence deputy chief shot in Moscow

A senior official of Russia’s military intelligence was shot and wounded in Moscow on Friday, authorities said.

Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev , the first deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency , was shot several times by an unidentified assailant , according to the Investigative Committee. The attack took place in the Russian capital , though officials have not disclosed further details about the circumstances.

Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said Alekseyev was hospitalised and is receiving medical treatment. His condition was not immediately known. No suspects have been identified so far, and investigators have not indicated a possible motive behind the attack.

Russian authorities have so far refrained from assigning blame for the shooting. However, in previous attacks targeting senior military and security officials, Moscow has frequently pointed to Ukrainian intelligence agencies or Western-backed operatives , framing such incidents as part of a broader covert campaign linked to the conflict in Ukraine. No such allegation has been made in the present case, officials said, as the investigation remains underway.

Alekseyev has served as the first deputy chief of Russia’s military intelligence since 2011 and is regarded as one of the most senior figures in the agency.