Moscow’s streets turned into a battlefield on February 6, 2026, as shots rang out against one of Russia’s key military figures. Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev, a 15-year veteran as first deputy head of military intelligence, was gunned down in an apparent hit near Volokolamskoye Highway’s residential zone.
The assailant fired several shots at close range and escaped, prompting swift medical evacuation to a local hospital. Investigative Committee rep Svetlana Petrenko detailed the case registration for murder attempt and arms smuggling violations, underscoring the gravity of the probe.
On-site experts are dissecting bullet casings, reviewing hours of CCTV, and canvassing locals for clues. Intensive searches target the perpetrator’s network, yet Petrenko held back on potential perpetrators or driving forces.
This isn’t isolated: Since launching the Ukraine offensive in 2022, Russia has lost several generals to foul play. Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov’s car exploded on December 22, 2025, while Lt Gen Yaroslav Moskalik met a similar fate via roadside bomb in Balashikha last April.
Whispers of Ukrainian reprisals or internal purges circulate unofficially, but facts remain scarce. Alekseyev’s survival could yield vital intel, as investigators race against time. The incident amplifies alarms over elite protections in a city under siege from unseen enemies, with broader implications for Russia’s war machinery.