Moscow, Russia — Authorities have launched an investigation into an assassination attempt on a high-ranking Russian general, alleging that Ukrainian intelligence is involved. The attack occurred on Friday when an assailant fired multiple shots at Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev in a Moscow residential area before fleeing the scene.

The Russian Investigative Committee announced that the suspected shooter, a man in his mid-60s from Ukraine’s Ternopil region, was apprehended in Dubai after escaping Moscow. A second individual, believed to be an accomplice, has also been detained, while a third suspect reportedly made his way to Ukraine.

Alekseyev, who is 64 years old and serves as the first deputy head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, known as the GRU, was shot early on Friday morning on Volokolamskoye Highway. Following surgery, Alekseyev was reported to be conscious, and doctors indicated that his condition was stable.

At the scene of the shooting, investigators found a Makarov pistol equipped with a silencer, raising concerns about the planned nature of the attack. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reported that the primary suspect fled to Dubai immediately after the incident, where he was later detained.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates’ President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the swift apprehension of the suspect. This incident underscores the heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, particularly regarding recent events in the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian officials, however, have denied any involvement in the assassination attempt. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv had no connection to the incident.

The attack on Alekseyev marks a troubling trend in targeting senior military and intelligence figures within Russia. Just months earlier, another general, Fanil Sarvarov, was killed in a car bombing in Moscow. That incident was also ascribed to alleged Ukrainian involvement.

Alekseyev’s background reveals a complex history of military engagements, including negotiations with Yevgeny Prigozhin of the Wagner Group during an internal uprising. In addition, he has previously faced international sanctions for his role in various cyber activities aimed at undermining foreign democratic institutions.

The shooting incident contributes to a pattern of violence targeting military personnel in Russia, raising fears of escalating hostilities as the conflict continues to disrupt the region.