Navalny Ally Attacked Ahead of Russian Election
Leonid Volkov, a Russian opposition figure, was hospitalised after being attacked in front of his Vilnius home on Tuesday, according to a statement by Lithuanian police to AFP
Volkov, a close associate of killed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was the victim of an attack by an unidentified assailant who sprayed him with tear gas and beat him with a hammer. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis condemned the attack as "shocking" and said that the perpetrators "must answer for their crimes."
Volkov, 43, is a prominent figure in the Russian opposition and a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. He was forced to flee Russia in 2021 after being charged with organising illegal protests.
The attack on Volkov comes just days before Russia's presidential election, in which Putin is widely expected to win a fourth term.
Background
Volkov was a close associate of Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned then killed Russian opposition leader. He served as Navalny's chief of staff and until 2023 also headed the Anti-Corruption Foundation founded by the former opposition leader.
Volkov was forced to flee Russia in 2021 after being charged with organising illegal protests. He has been living in exile in Lithuania since then.
Lithuania's support for Ukraine
Lithuania has been a vocal critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has provided military and humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian government. The country has also been a haven for Russian dissidents who have fled the country in recent years.
The attack on Volkov is likely to further increase tensions between Lithuania and Russia.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
