Leonid Volkov: Alexei Navalny ally attacked in Lithuania
A close associate of the deceased Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was assaulted outside his residence in Lithuania. Leonid Volkov was attacked with a hammer and tear gas while inside his vehicle in Vilnius on Tuesday evening, as confirmed by Navalny’s spokesperson Kira Yarmysh.
The identity of the alleged attacker remains unknown, as does their motive. Lithuanian authorities have been notified of the incident and are currently conducting an investigation, according to reports from Reuters.
Ivan Zhdanov, another member of Navalny’s team, shared images on social media showing Mr. Volkov with injuries to his lower left leg and apparent bruising on his temple.
When asked if the assailant had uttered any words during the attack, Mr. Zhdanov responded that it occurred in silence. He further stated, “This is undoubtedly a politically motivated assault.”
Mr. Volkov’s wife disclosed that he returned home from the hospital with a fractured hand or arm, unable to walk due to the injuries sustained from the hammer blows to his leg.
“We will all work even more. And with even greater anger,” Anna Biryukova posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Mr. Volkov, 43, has lived outside Russia for some years for his safety and served as Navalny’s chief-of-staff until the opposition leader died suddenly in prison in the Russian Arctic last month while serving a 19-year sentence after being convicted of politically motivated charges.
Mr Volkov also faces various politically motivated charges in Russia.
He served as chairman of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation until last year when he resigned following the revelation he had signed letters calling for the European Union to drop some Russian sanctions.
Despite living outside Russia he has also made sure that the activism of Navalny and his team could continue.
This has included anti-corruption investigations, YouTube videos, and livestreams during protests and major events in Russia.
Many more activists moved to join Mr. Volkov abroad in 2021 after Navalny’s entire political organization was labeled “extremist” and banned in Russia.
Several of Navalny’s former team are now in prison, as well as some of his lawyers.
With presidential elections this weekend, Navalny’s widow Yulia Navalnaya has called on opponents of Vladimir Putin to turn up at polling stations across Russia at midday on Sunday in an act of peaceful political protest.
It was an idea supported by Alexei Navalny before he died.
