NewsLithuania suspects Moscow orchestrated attack on Navalny ally ahead of elections

Lithuania suspects Moscow orchestrated attack on Navalny ally ahead of elections

The State Security Department (VSD) issued a statement indicating, "It is probable that the operation was organized and conducted by Russia to prevent the realization of projects related to the undemocratic presidential elections in Russia." These elections are scheduled from March 15 to March 17.

The Lithuanian intelligence claims that the attack on former Navalny associate, Leonid Volkov, could have been organized by Moscow.

Images source: © Getty Images | 2023 Oleg Nikishin

PJM

9:41 AM EDT, March 13, 2024

The attack on Volkov was planned

Gitanas Nauseda, the President of Lithuania, posited that the attack on Volkov "was a planned action and is linked with other provocations against Lithuania." Currently, in Paris, Nauseda also noted a rise in incidents involving the desecration of the Lithuanian flag and monuments across the country. He emphasized that these are coordinated actions while also reassuring that Lithuania "is not afraid" of Vladimir Putin.

Agne Bilotaite, the Lithuanian Minister of the Interior, assured the public that "the situation is being handled seriously yet calmly". In a press conference alongside the chief commander of the Lithuanian police, Renatas Požela, she announced, "The services are performing their duties, an investigation has been initiated, and various leads are being explored". Bilotaite also mentioned that "provocations have become part of our daily life (...), and we expect their frequency to increase as the Russian elections draw near".

Renatas Požela, the chief commander of the Lithuanian police, confirmed that the police have allocated "considerable resources" to investigate the attack on Volkov and are conducting thorough investigations.

An assailant broke the window of Volkov's car, pepper-sprayed him, and then assaulted him with a hammer. In late February, Volkov urged public protests during the Russian elections, stating that it was "Alexei Navalny's direct political testament."