Recent Attack on Leonid Volkov
Two individuals have been apprehended in Poland in connection with the assault on Leonid Volkov, a former top aide to the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The incident took place on March 12 outside Volkov’s residence in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Suspected Involvement of Russian Special Services
Lithuanian counterintelligence has suggested that the attack may have been orchestrated by Russian special services, although the Kremlin has not provided any official statement on the matter.
Arrest and Charges
The suspects, both Polish citizens, were arrested in Warsaw on April 3 following a European arrest warrant. They are facing charges in Lithuania for causing minor bodily harm to Volkov due to his political beliefs, which could result in a fine or imprisonment.
Chief Vilnius prosecutor, Justas Laucius, stated that the motive behind the attack was linked to Volkov’s political activities.
Extradition Process
The extradition of the suspects to Lithuania is expected to take place by May, according to Laucius.
Background of the Suspects
The two individuals were already known to Polish authorities and had traveled to Lithuania specifically to carry out the assault, as confirmed by deputy head of Lithuania’s criminal police, Saulius Briginas.
It remains unclear whether the detained suspects have any connection to a Polish citizen who was recently arrested for alleged collaboration with Russian intelligence in a potential assassination plot targeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Response and Reactions
Volkov has directly accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being behind the attack, expressing concerns for the safety of Navalny’s exiled movement leaders prior to the incident.
Following the arrests, Volkov expressed gratitude towards Lithuanian law enforcement for their diligent efforts in resolving the case.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda commended the collaborative efforts of Polish and Lithuanian intelligence services in apprehending the suspects.
The death of Alexei Navalny earlier this year in Russian custody continues to be a point of contention, with Russian authorities attributing it to natural causes while his supporters allege foul play.