Russia's Investigative Committee reported that Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, deputy chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate, was shot multiple times by an unidentified individual in an apartment building on Volokolamsk Street in Moscow. The suspect fled the scene.

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, deputy chief of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate. *Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense*

"The victim was rushed to a city hospital", the Investigative Committee stated. According to the agency, this was an assassination attempt.

Authorities are searching for the suspect. Investigators and forensic experts are also reviewing surveillance camera footage and collecting information from witnesses.

(Updates to follow)

By Huyen Le (AFP, RIA Novosti)