In Moscow's Shadows In Moscow's Shadows 235: From a GRU to a Kill
Feb 8, 2026
A high‑profile Russian intelligence chief is shot in Moscow and the conversation hunts for who might be behind it. The episode traces his Spetsnaz roots, GRU rise and role in Syria and 2022 operations. It explores rivalries with Wagner, possible Kremlin or Ukrainian motives, and what the attack reveals about gaps in Russia's security services.
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Alexeyev's Shooting And Career Background
- Vladimir Stepanovich Alexeyev, a former Spetsnaz officer, was shot in a Moscow apartment block and survived after emergency care and a coma.
- Mark Galeotti outlines his background from Ryazan Airborne School to becoming first deputy head of the GRU and key operational planner.
A Hard-Operator Within The GRU
- Alexeyev comes from the Spetsnaz 'boots' wing of the GRU and led the 14th Directorate responsible for special forces.
- He oversaw active measures including covert operations, earning sanctions for election meddling and the Salisbury operation.
Role In Crimea, Redut, And Wagner
- Alexeyev helped plan the seizure of Crimea in 2014 and later curated Wagner while also standing up the rival Redut unit.
- He later relied on Wagner when Redut was decimated during the 2022 invasion's early failures.
