Russian general shot several times in Moscow | BBC News

Key Concepts

• GRU: Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate, a military intelligence agency.
• Salsbury Poisonings (2018): The poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, UK, attributed to Russian agents.
• Vladimir Alexf: Lieutenant General in the GRU, linked to the Salsbury poisonings and operations in Ukraine and Syria.
• Assassination Attempts: A series of attacks targeting high-ranking Russian officials, specifically generals, in Moscow.
• Ukrainian Intelligence Involvement (Alleged): Speculation and hints of Ukrainian intelligence connection to the attacks.

Shooting of Russian General Vladimir Alexf: Details and Context

The report centers on the shooting of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexf, a high-ranking official within Russia’s GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate), in Moscow. The attack occurred around 7:00 a.m. as Alexf was leaving his apartment building. He was shot multiple times and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Russian President Putin is reportedly receiving hourly updates on his health, and a statement indicated Russia will respond “appropriately.” The general’s current condition remains unknown.

Pattern of Attacks on Russian Officials

This incident is not isolated. According to reports, Alexf is the fifth Russian general to be targeted in Moscow over the past 16 months, beginning at the end of 2024. Sources within Ukrainian intelligence have previously suggested a possible connection to some of these earlier attacks, though no official confirmation has been provided by Kyiv. Officials in Kiev have not commented on this specific attack.

Alexf’s Background and Alleged Involvement in Past Operations

Vladimir Alexf has been a long-serving intelligence officer within the GRU, holding top-level positions since at least 2011. He is specifically linked to the 2018 Salsbury poisonings, having been placed on sanctions lists for his alleged involvement. Beyond Salsbury, he is believed to have planned and executed operations in Syria and during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The reporter notes that this represents only the known extent of his activities, as the majority of his work would be classified.

Russian and Ukrainian Perspectives

Russian officials and state television are reportedly attributing the attack to Ukraine. However, Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on the incident. The report highlights the lack of official acknowledgement from Kyiv, while simultaneously noting the pattern of attacks and previous hints from Ukrainian intelligence sources.

Significance of Salsbury Link

The report emphasizes the significance of Alexf’s connection to the Salsbury poisonings, noting that this link will likely be of particular interest in the UK. The Salsbury incident involved the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, an event widely attributed to Russian agents, and Alexf’s alleged role in that operation adds another layer of complexity to the current situation.

Putin’s Response and Future Implications

The Russian President’s direct involvement in monitoring Alexf’s condition and the promise of an “appropriate” response suggest the seriousness with which the Kremlin is treating this attack. The report concludes by stating that the situation is being closely monitored, implying potential for escalation or further developments.