Russian Lieutenant General Wounded in Moscow Shooting; Investigation Underway

Russian authorities have opened a criminal inquiry after Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, a senior official in the Defense Ministry, was shot and wounded in Moscow on Friday. The attack occurred inside a residential complex on Volokolamskoye Highway, an area northwest of the city center that is home to several mid-rise apartment buildings and small shops. According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, an unidentified gunman fired multiple rounds before escaping.

The incident took place on 6 February 2026. Investigators said the assailant approached Alexeyev in a common hallway and discharged several shots at close range. Surveillance footage collected from the building’s security cameras is being reviewed, and forensic teams have retrieved shell casings for ballistic analysis. Initial findings suggest a semi-automatic handgun was used, but officials have not disclosed the caliber or manufacturer.

Alexeyev, who holds the rank of lieutenant general and occupies a high-level position within the Russian General Staff, was transported by ambulance to a nearby military hospital. Medical personnel reported that he underwent emergency surgery. While his exact condition has not been released, government representatives stated that he remains under intensive care and is expected to survive.

Immediate Response by Russian Authorities

Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko, representing the Investigative Committee, confirmed that detectives specializing in major crimes are leading the probe. Officers closed off access to the building within minutes of the shooting, interviewing residents and collecting digital recordings from private security systems in adjacent structures. A special rapid-response unit swept stairwells and storage areas, but no suspect was found on the premises.

Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin has been briefed and that domestic security agencies are coordinating efforts to identify and detain the shooter. Peskov described the attack as an “outrageous breach of public safety,” adding that investigators have not ruled out any motives, including personal, political or foreign-linked grievances.

Foreign Ministry Suggests Possible Ukrainian Connection

During a separate media appearance, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged—without offering supporting evidence—that Ukrainian interests might be behind the assassination attempt. Lavrov argued that hostile actors in Kyiv could be seeking to undermine ongoing talks involving Washington, Moscow and Ukraine’s leadership. Those discussions, aimed at lowering regional tensions, began earlier this year and are scheduled to resume next week.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on Lavrov’s statement. Independent analysts noted that Russia has previously accused Ukraine of orchestrating attacks on Russian soil, claims that Kyiv has consistently denied. The Foreign Ministry’s remarks are likely to complicate the diplomatic climate as negotiators prepare for the next round of meetings.

Profile of the Victim

Vladimir Alexeyev, believed to be in his late fifties, has served in various command and intelligence roles over a three-decade military career. Within the Defense Ministry, he is regarded as a key strategist familiar with Russia’s special operations doctrine. State media outlets have occasionally cited him as an adviser on counterterrorism initiatives and modernization programs for ground forces.

Because of his rank and portfolio, investigators are examining whether the attack could be linked to Alexeyev’s official duties. Sources familiar with the inquiry said case files will include a review of his recent travel, meetings, and security clearances. Investigators are also assessing any personal disputes or financial matters that might have provided a motive.

Security Measures Heightened in Moscow

Imagem: Internet

The shooting has prompted a visible increase in law-enforcement presence across the capital. Patrols from the National Guard and Interior Ministry have been stationed near military installations, government buildings and transport hubs. Authorities have also instructed local administrations to review emergency protocols for high-ranking officials living in civilian neighborhoods.

Similar measures were adopted following other high-profile incidents in recent years, though attacks on senior military figures remain rare in Moscow. Early assessments by security consultants suggest that the assailant possessed detailed knowledge of Alexeyev’s routine, indicating possible surveillance in the days or weeks leading up to the attempt.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials have launched a nationwide manhunt, distributing a preliminary description of the suspect to regional police departments. The Investigative Committee stated that investigators will employ facial-recognition technology and mobile-phone geolocation data to track potential escape routes. Authorities have urged members of the public who were in the vicinity of the Volokolamskoye Highway complex between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. local time—when the shooting is believed to have occurred—to provide any photographs or video recordings they may have.

An update on Alexeyev’s medical status is expected once doctors complete a post-operative evaluation. The Kremlin has indicated that information will be released only after consultation with his family and attending physicians.

International Reaction

Foreign governments have largely refrained from commenting until more details emerge. However, several Western intelligence officials, speaking on background to Reuters, said they were monitoring the situation for indications of political fallout. The U.S. State Department declined to issue an immediate statement, citing a lack of confirmed information about the motive.

Regional security experts warn that speculation regarding Ukrainian involvement could escalate tensions along the Russia-Ukraine border, where a fragile cease-fire has been punctuated by periodic artillery exchanges. Further diplomatic repercussions may depend on whether Moscow publicly attributes responsibility to any foreign entity.

For now, investigators remain focused on reconstructing the attacker’s movements and establishing a timeline leading up to the shooting. Results from ballistic tests, fingerprint analysis and eyewitness interviews will be critical in determining whether the incident represents an isolated act or part of a broader conspiracy.

Crédito da imagem: Anastasia Barashkova/Reuters