Vilnius, Lithuania – Russian opposition figure Leonid Volkov, a key supporter of the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, has vowed to continue his fight after surviving a violent assault outside his home in Lithuania. Volkov, who resides in exile in Lithuania and served as Navalny’s chief of staff, was attacked and injured in an incident he described as reminiscent of tactics employed by associates of President Vladimir Putin.
In a video shared on Telegram, Volkov defiantly stated, “We will carry on and not give up,” following the attack that left him with injuries. The assault, which Volkov referred to as a “typical bandit salute” by Putin loyalists, reportedly involved an attempt to beat him with a hammer.
Lithuanian police reported that the attack took place in the courtyard of Volkov’s residence in Vilnius at approximately 10:00 p.m. The assailant allegedly targeted Volkov’s leg, striking it about 15 times, resulting in visible injuries. Volkov noted in the video that while his leg was painful, it was his arm that ended up broken in the altercation.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving both Volkov and authorities puzzled as to the reasons behind the violent incident. The police are actively investigating the assault, working to identify the perpetrators and understand the circumstances surrounding the attack outside Volkov’s home.
Volkov’s resolve to persist in the face of such aggression signifies a determination to carry on the opposition movement despite the risks involved. The brazen assault serves as a stark reminder of the threats and dangers faced by those who challenge the Kremlin’s authority in Russia and beyond.
As Volkov continues to recover from his injuries, the international community watches closely, concerned about the safety and well-being of those who dare to speak out against the Putin regime. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and risks associated with opposition activism in a country where dissent is met with severe consequences.
With the investigation ongoing, Volkov remains resolute in his commitment to the cause, undeterred by the violent attack on his person. The assault has only reinforced his determination to push forward, undaunted by the forces seeking to silence voices of dissent and opposition.