• Navalny ally Volkov attacked with hammer in Lithuania.
• Raises safety concerns for Navalny’s supporters and opposition figures.
• Highlights risks for activists challenging authorities in Russia.

Leonid Volkov, a close associate of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, fell victim to a violent attack with a hammer in front of his residence in Lithuania. The assailant targeted Volkov on Tuesday night in Vilnius, using a hammer and tear gas to inflict injuries.

Volkov, formerly Navalny’s chief-of-staff, has been a prominent figure in the opposition movement. The assault left him with multiple cuts on his lower left leg, head bruising, and other injuries. Currently, he is hospitalized, undergoing necessary treatment for the inflicted wounds.

The attack on Volkov not only raises immediate concerns for the well-being of Navalny’s supporters but also highlights the broader dangers faced by opposition figures in the current political climate in Russia. Many activists, including Volkov, had already emigrated in 2021 when Navalny’s entire political organization was labeled “extremist” and subsequently banned in Russia.

As the presidential elections draw near, Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, has called for peaceful political protests at polling stations across Russia. This concept aligns with Alexei’s past support for peaceful demonstrations. However, the recent assault on Volkov adds another layer of uncertainty to the safety of opposition members linked to Navalny.

The Lithuanian police are actively investigating the attack, but the circumstances surrounding the assault remain mysterious. The incident serves as a stark reminder that activism in Russia comes with significant personal risks, especially when challenging the authorities.

With the political landscape in Russia already tense, the attack on Volkov underscores the challenges faced by those critical of the government and highlights the need for increased international attention to ensure the safety and well-being of opposition figures and activists.

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