Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Ukraine of orchestrating an attempted assassination of Russian Ministry of Defense Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, claiming the incident was intended to undermine ongoing peace negotiations.
According to Russian officials, the attack occurred when an unidentified armed individual opened fire multiple times at General Alexeyev inside a residential building located along the Volokolamskoye Highway. The assailant reportedly fled the scene shortly after the shooting.
General Alexeyev was transported to a hospital, though authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding his medical condition. Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal investigation, citing charges related to attempted murder and illegal arms trafficking.
Lavrov Blames Ukraine for Escalation
Lavrov described the attack as a “terrorist act”, alleging it demonstrates what he characterized as Ukraine’s willingness to provoke further instability.
“This terrorist act once again confirmed the commitment of the Zelensky administration to ongoing provocations aimed at disrupting the negotiation process,” Lavrov stated. He further suggested that Kyiv seeks to convince its Western allies to intensify pressure and support efforts that could derail a negotiated settlement.
Uncertainty Over Impact on Peace Negotiations
Despite the strong accusations, Lavrov refrained from speculating on how the incident might influence future diplomatic discussions.
“That is not my function; it will be decided by our country’s leadership,” he said, leaving open questions about the potential consequences for peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.
Rising Tensions Amid Ongoing Conflict
The incident highlights the fragile state of diplomatic engagement surrounding the war, as both sides continue to exchange accusations while international actors push for renewed dialogue.
Authorities have not publicly identified the attacker, and no independent confirmation of responsibility has been provided, leaving key aspects of the case unresolved.
