An alleged hitman has been arrested in Dubai following an attempted assassination of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, a senior military official in Russia. The incident occurred in the stairway of Alekseyev’s apartment building, where he was shot twice while reportedly attempting to defend himself. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterized the shooting as an apparent “terrorist act” attributed to Ukraine, aimed at disrupting ongoing peace negotiations.
According to the business daily Kommersant, the attacker disguised as a delivery person shot Alekseyev in the foot and arm. During a struggle, the general was reportedly shot again in the chest before the assailant fled the scene. Alekseyev, who has a significant background in military intelligence operations, has faced sanctions from multiple international bodies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Alekseyev’s Military Background and Sanctions
Born in Ukraine during the Soviet era, Alekseyev has risen through the ranks of the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, serving as its first deputy head since 2011. He has been involved in key military operations in Syria and Ukraine, making him a figure of considerable interest in international relations. His involvement in the 2016 U.S. election interference led to sanctions by Washington, while his alleged role in the 2018 poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury with the nerve agent Novichok prompted similar actions from the UK and EU.
The Kremlin confirmed that President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the assassination attempt. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the need for enhanced security measures for senior military officials amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Response from Ukrainian Authorities
As of now, Ukrainian authorities have not issued any statements regarding the attack. Lavrov’s comments suggest a narrative that frames the incident within the context of the broader geopolitical conflict. The characterization of the act as terrorism raises questions about the ongoing tensions and the impact of such incidents on diplomatic efforts for peace.
The situation continues to unfold, and further investigations by law enforcement agencies are anticipated. As more details emerge, the implications for both Russian and Ukrainian relations could be significant, particularly in light of the ongoing war and international negotiations.
