Vilnius, Lithuania – Russian opposition figure Leonid Volkov, a prominent ally of the late Alexei Navalny, is pushing forward with his activism despite a recent violent attack outside his home in Lithuania. Volkov, who currently resides in exile in Lithuania and previously served as Navalny’s chief of staff, was physically assaulted and injured near his residence on Tuesday evening. The incident, which he described as a targeted attack, has raised concerns about the safety of critics of the Russian government.
In a video message shared on Telegram, Volkov vowed to continue their fight against the Putin regime, stating defiantly, “We will carry on and not give up.” He characterized the assault as a brutal act orchestrated by allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that they had tried to “beat me to a pulp with a hammer.” Despite sustaining injuries, Volkov remained resolute in his commitment to the cause.
Lithuanian authorities reported that Volkov was attacked in the courtyard of his home in Vilnius late Tuesday night, with the assailant repeatedly striking his leg. Although his leg sustained minor injuries, Volkov revealed that his arm was broken during the altercation. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, leaving investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the violent incident.
The assault on Volkov has sparked concerns about the safety of Russian opposition figures living in exile and the potential risks they face for speaking out against the government. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by individuals who challenge the status quo in Russia and highlights the ongoing tensions between the opposition movement and the ruling authorities.
As the investigation into the attack continues, Volkov’s resilience and determination to persevere in the face of adversity have garnered attention and support from sympathizers around the world. The incident has also fueled calls for greater protection of political dissidents and critics of the Russian government, underscoring the importance of upholding freedom of speech and safeguarding individuals’ rights to express dissenting views. Despite the challenges and threats posed by their activism, Volkov and others in similar positions remain unwavering in their commitment to advancing democratic ideals and advocating for change in Russia.