Russian general shot – linked to poison attack

TT

Updated 12.31 | Published 08.57

 

            

            

           A still from a video shows Vladimir Alekseev in an unknown location. The video was published             by the Russian Defense Ministry in June 2023.

           1 / 2Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Via AFP/TT

Top Russian general Vladimir Alekseev has been shot in Moscow. The Kremlin accuses Ukraine.

An “unidentified person” fired several shots at Alekseev, the investigative agency Sledkom said. The general has been taken to hospital, while the perpetrator is said to have fled after the attack.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accuses Ukraine and claims that Kiev is trying to derail the peace process.

Alekseev is deputy head of Russia's military intelligence service, GRU. His superior, Igor Kostyukov, led the Russian delegation during this week's talks with Ukraine and the United States.

Alekseev is under EU sanctions for his involvement in the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack.

Several Russian military leaders have been killed since the outbreak of the war in 2022. Kiev has claimed responsibility for some, including the bombing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in December 2024.