Vilnius, Lithuania – A brutal attack on Leonid Volkov, a top strategist for the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has sparked outrage and condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime. The assault, which took place outside Volkov’s home in Vilnius, left him hospitalized with a broken arm and severe bruising from hammer blows. Despite the attack, Volkov remains determined to continue his work.
The assailant, who smashed one of Volkov’s car windows, sprayed tear gas, and wielded a hammer, is believed to be associated with Putin’s regime. In a video posted on Telegram, Volkov, with his arm bandaged and in a sling, vowed to persevere, labeling the attack as a “characteristic bandit greeting from Putin’s henchmen.” The incident comes amidst rising tensions in Lithuania, with President Gitanas Nauseda denouncing the attack as a pre-planned act intended to disrupt the Russian opposition’s influence.
The Lithuanian State Security Department suspects the attack was orchestrated to impede Navalny’s team from impacting Russia’s upcoming presidential election. With Putin seeking to extend his rule, the opposition led by Navalny’s associates poses a significant challenge to the incumbent regime. Despite the Kremlin’s dismissive silence on the incident, Lithuania’s security agency views Navalny’s team as a potent force capable of shaping Russia’s internal politics.
Lithuania’s police commissioner Renatas Pozela reassured the public that the country remains safe, emphasizing the authorities’ commitment to solving the case. The U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald, expressed shock at the attack, praising Volkov’s resilience and courage in the face of intimidation. The assault on Volkov follows Navalny’s mysterious death in a Russian prison, further deepening the political turmoil surrounding Putin’s regime.
As protests against Putin’s government persist, Volkov’s determination to continue his work underscores the ongoing struggle for political change in Russia. Despite the risks, Navalny’s supporters remain steadfast in their commitment to challenging the Kremlin’s authority and advocating for democratic reform. The attack on Volkov serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who oppose Putin’s rule, both within and outside Russia.