Lithuania: Russian opposition activists attacking each other

The attack on exiled Russian opposition activist Leonid Volkov in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, in March 2024 was allegedly ordered by another Russian opposition leader, businessman Leonid Nevzlin, according to the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), LRT reports. FBK claimed that the plan was to kidnap Volkov, transport him via Latvia to Russia, and then hand him over to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). However, the plan failed and Nevzlin refused to pay the attackers, FBK asserted. Moreover, Nevzlin was allegedly involved in organising attacks against FBK’s director, Ivan Zhdanov, in Geneva and the wife of an exiled Russian economist in Argentina, The Insider reported. The group based its allegations on audio and video recordings, photographs, and messages allegedly leaked by Nevzlin’s close associate. FBK suggested that Nevzlin may have been motivated by “senseless hatred” and “political competition.” Nevzlin denied any involvement with the attacks.