NEW DELHI: The assault on Leonid Volkov, a key aide to the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is believed to have been orchestrated and carried out by Russia, the Lithuanian state security department said on Wednesday.
Volkov was attacked with tear gas and a hammer on Tuesday, resulting in a bruise on his forehead and a wound on his leg, claimed Navalny’s former spokesperson Kira Yarmysh.
Earlier today, Lithuanian police said that they have initiated an investigation into the assault on Leonid Volkov, former chief of staff and long-time aide of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, after he was attacked outside his residence in Vilnius on Tuesday.
The lithuanian counter-intelligence said that the assault on Volkov is likely linked to Russian President election.
Kira Yarmysh also posted images showing Volkov with a bruise on his forehead, blood coming from a leg wound, and a vehicle with damage to the driver’s door and window.
In a Telegram post, Volkov said he was back home from the hospital on Wednesday after receiving treatment.
The police spokesperson in Lithuania told Reuters that the investigation is focused on the “minor health impairment” caused to Volkov, and no suspects have been identified so far.
The crime scene near Volkov’s house in the northern outskirts of the Lithuanian capital was examined by various police units, including the elite anti-terrorism unit.
Lithuania’s Foreign affairs minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who also leads Homeland Union, the ruling party, called the assault “shocking” and assured that the authorities are investigating the attacks.
“Perpetrators will have to answer for their crime”, he wrote on X.
(With inputs from agencies)