Russian GRU Deputy Head Vladimir Alexeyev Shot Near Moscow Residence

• Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, first deputy head of Russia’s GRU since 2011, was shot multiple times near his Moscow apartment.
• The 64-year-old official, number two in GRU hierarchy, sustained gunshot wounds to an arm, a leg, and his chest.
• Alexeyev played a key role in Moscow’s military campaign in Syria, was awarded the Hero of Russia medal, and was closely involved in directing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• He was sanctioned by the US for cyber interference in the 2016 US presidential election and by the EU for his alleged role in the 2018 Sergei Skripal poisoning.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of being responsible for the "terrorist act" without presenting evidence.