Russian deputy defence minister shot in assassination attempt in Moscow

Russia’s Investigative Committee says an assassination attempt was carried out against Deputy Defence Minister, Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev, in Moscow on Friday.

Committee spokesperson, Svetlana Petrenko, confirmed that Alekseyev was shot during the attack and was rushed to hospital for medical treatment. His condition was not immediately disclosed.

According to state media reports, authorities have opened a criminal case on charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms. Investigators and forensic teams from the Moscow branch of the Investigative Committee have begun work at the scene to identify the assailant and any accomplices.

The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Russia, following a series of high-profile incidents targeting senior military figures. In May 2025, a Russian general was killed in a car explosion near Moscow in a separate case.

Russian officials have previously accused Ukraine of involvement in assassination attempts against Russian military officers and commanders, allegations linked to the ongoing conflict between the two countries.