Russian authorities have arrested a third individual in connection with the assassination attempt on Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, the deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency, GRU. The suspect, a Russian citizen, was detained in Dubai and flown back to Moscow, according to a statement by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on February 8.
The FSB also identified two other Russian nationals allegedly involved in the attack: one arrested in Moscow, and another believed to have fled to Ukraine.
Details of the Attack
The assassination attempt occurred on February 6 at Alekseyev’s apartment building in Moscow. Reports indicate that he was shot three times on the stairs but managed to repel the attacker. He subsequently underwent emergency surgery for a gunshot wound to a vital organ and is expected to recover.
A CCTV video released by the FSB shows a suspect allegedly carrying out the shooting, reportedly disguised as a food delivery courier.
Alekséyev’s Background
As the GRU deputy chief, Alekseyev is a key figure in Russia’s military intelligence operations, including sabotage, assassinations, espionage, and cyberattacks. Notable allegations include:
- Involvement in the 2018 Novichok poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the UK
- Oversight of cyberattacks on U.S. political parties
- Links to Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner mercenary group, with Prigozhin’s 2023 plane crash later deemed by Western intelligence a targeted assassination
Alekséyev is at least the fourth Russian general targeted or killed since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly four years ago.
Russian Response
The FSB and Russian officials have hinted at Ukrainian involvement, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov directly blaming Kyiv for the shooting, though no evidence has been publicly presented.
This incident underscores the ongoing threats faced by Russia’s top military intelligence officials, reflecting the volatile security environment amid ongoing conflicts and covert operations worldwide.
