Vilnius, Lithuania – Leonid Volkov, a prominent Russian opposition figure and ally of the late Alexei Navalny, continues to show resilience following a brutal attack outside his residence in Lithuania. Volkov, who resides in exile in Lithuania and previously served as Navalny’s chief of staff, was ambushed and injured outside his home on Tuesday evening.
In a defiant video posted on Telegram, Volkov vowed to persevere despite the violent assault. He described the incident as a “typical bandit salute” orchestrated by associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming they had attempted to assault him with a hammer. Following his discharge from the hospital, Volkov recounted the harrowing experience, revealing a broken arm and bruises from the attack.
According to Lithuanian authorities, the assault on Volkov occurred in the vicinity of his residence in Vilnius late Tuesday night. Volkov disclosed that the assailant struck his leg multiple times, causing discomfort but no serious injuries, while his arm suffered a fracture. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as the police continue to investigate the incident.
The attack on Volkov has raised concerns about the safety of Russian dissidents living abroad and the extent of Kremlin’s influence in targeting opposition figures. The assault serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by critics of the Russian government, even outside the country’s borders.
Despite the attack, Volkov remains undeterred in his advocacy for political change in Russia. His determination to carry on with his activities underscores the resilience of opposition voices in the face of adversity. The international community closely monitors the developments surrounding Volkov’s assault, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Russia.