In a disturbing turn of events, Leonid Volkov, a close aide to the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was reportedly attacked in front of his house in Vilnius, Lithuania. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, saw Volkov being assaulted while inside his car. Reports indicate that he was struck on the head with a hammer and tear gas was deployed during the attack. Volkov, aged 43, sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized.

The attack on Volkov, a long-time ally of Navalny, has raised concerns over potential political motivations behind the assault. Party leaders and activists have taken to social media, sharing images of Volkov's injuries and denouncing the attack as politically motivated. However, the identity of the assailant and the exact motive behind the attack remain unclear.

Lithuanian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack on Volkov. The assault comes just weeks after the sudden and controversial death of Alexei Navalny, who was a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny's demise in prison sparked widespread condemnation and allegations of foul play from his family and supporters.

The attack on Volkov underscores the ongoing risks faced by individuals associated with opposition movements in Russia and abroad. As investigations unfold, concerns over political violence and intimidation continue to loom large in the wake of Navalny's death.