Moscow: In the past 15 months, four high-ranking Russian generals have been the targets of assassination attempts, which Moscow has attributed to Kyiv amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now nearing its fifth year. The allegations were made as peace negotiations continue, recently facilitated by the United States in Abu Dhabi.
According to Anadolu Agency, the latest incident occurred just a day after the Abu Dhabi talks when Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev was shot multiple times by an unidentified assailant in northwestern Moscow. Alekseyev, who has served as the first deputy head of the GRU since 2011, remains hospitalized. Russia's Investigative Committee is actively working to identify those involved, while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack to disrupt ongoing peace efforts.
Prior to Alekseyev, Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov was killed in December 2025 following a car explosion in Moscow. The Investigative Committee reported that an explosive device had been planted under his car, and suspicions have been directed towards Ukrainian intelligence. The incident was labeled a "terrible murder" by the Kremlin, though Ukraine has not claimed responsibility.
Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik was another victim, killed in a car blast in April 2025 in Balashikha, Moscow region. The Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested Ignat Kuzin, who admitted to being recruited by Ukraine's Security Service, promising $18,000 for the assassination. Kuzin was sentenced to life imprisonment. While Ukraine has not confirmed involvement, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alluded to the "liquidation" of Russian military officials.
The wave of attacks began with Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov in December 2024, who was killed by an explosive device in Moscow. An Uzbek citizen confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services. The Kremlin condemned the act as a terrorist operation by Kyiv. Ukrainian media reported it as a result of a special operation by Ukraine's Security Service, though official comments from Kyiv are absent.