Vilnius, Lithuania – Russian opposition activist Leonid Volkov, a prominent figure in the movement led by the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, recently faced a violent attack outside his home in Lithuania. Volkov, who currently lives in exile in Lithuania and previously served as Navalny’s chief of staff, was reportedly assaulted and injured on Tuesday evening.
In a defiant video posted on Telegram, Volkov vowed to continue his work despite the attack, stating, “We will carry on and not give up.” Describing the incident as a “typical bandit salute” orchestrated by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s allies, Volkov highlighted the severity of the attack, revealing that he had been assaulted with a hammer and suffered injuries that required medical attention.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda condemned the attack on Volkov, labeling it as a deliberate act that should not come as a surprise. Nauseda assured the public that authorities were actively investigating the incident and expressed solidarity with Volkov in the face of such aggression, declaring, “Nobody here is afraid of you,” in a clear message to Putin.
According to Lithuanian police reports, the attack took place near Volkov’s residence in Vilnius around 10 pm on Tuesday. Volkov recounted the harrowing assault, revealing that he was repeatedly struck on the leg and sustained a broken arm during the attack. The motive behind the violent incident remains unclear, with police continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators responsible for the assault.
Despite the physical injuries and trauma inflicted on him, Volkov’s resolve to persevere in his activism remains unwavering. The incident underscores the dangers faced by individuals who challenge the Russian government’s authority and the ongoing threats to dissent within and outside the country. Volkov’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of defiance against oppressive regimes.