Headlines
Russia to Step up Security for Military Officials After String of Assassinations
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 19, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 19, 2026
Quick Summary
Russia’s FSB will enhance protection for senior military figures after a wave of killings and assassination attempts that it attributes to Ukraine, including the February 6 shooting of Lt.‑Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev in Moscow.
Russia Steps Up Security for Military Leaders After Assassinations
Increased Protection Measures Following Attacks on Officials
Background on Recent Assassinations
MOSCOW, March 19 (Reuters) - Russia will step up protection for high-ranking military officials after a series of assassinations and attempted killings that it blames on Ukraine, the head of the FSB security service was quoted as saying on Thursday.
The Attack on Lieutenant-General Vladimir Alexeyev
In the most recent attack, Lieutenant-General Vladimir Alexeyev, the deputy head of the GRU military intelligence service, was shot three times in his Moscow apartment building on February 6. Ukraine denied involvement.
FSB Response and Security Adjustments
State media quoted FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov as saying that Alexeyev was recovering, and security for such senior figures would "of course" be tightened.
Reporting and Editorial Information
(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Alex Richardson)
Key Takeaways
- •Following the Feb. 6 shooting of Lt.‑Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev in his Moscow apartment building, FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov announced heightened security measures for high‑ranking officers.
- •Alekseyev, deputy head of GRU, survived being shot multiple times; Russian authorities blame Ukraine, though Kyiv denies involvement.
- •This incident is the most recent in a string of attacks—including December 2024 car‑bomb and scooter‑bomb assassinations—that Russia says target its military leadership and country’s stability in peace negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia to step up security for military officials after string of assassinations
1Why is Russia increasing security for military officials?
Russia is boosting protection for high-ranking military officials after a series of assassinations and attempted killings, which it attributes to Ukraine.
2Who was the target in the recent assassination attempt?
Lieutenant-General Vladimir Alexeyev, the deputy head of the GRU military intelligence service, was shot three times in his Moscow apartment building.
3What has Ukraine said about the attacks on Russian officials?
Ukraine has denied any involvement in the recent attacks and assassinations of Russian military officials.
4Who is responsible for increasing security measures for Russian officials?
Alexander Bortnikov, the head of the FSB security service, said security for senior figures would be tightened.
5Is Lieutenant-General Vladimir Alexeyev recovering from his injuries?
Yes, state media quoted FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov as saying that Alexeyev is recovering.
