Lithuania is considering the possibility of canceling Leonid Volkov's residence permit
Lithuania is considering the possibility of canceling Leonid Volkov's residence permit, a Russian opposition figure, due to his negative statements about Ukrainian volunteers and officials. Volkov, former head of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, currently resides in Lithuania. His comments have sparked outrage in Lithuanian society and among politicians.
Volkov's Statements and Reaction
In particular, Volkov spoke about the commander of the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' Denis Kapustin, who, according to reports, was declared dead by the end of December 2022 due to staging. Kyrylo Budanov, who was then the head of intelligence, was mentioned in the context of these events. In his statements, Volkov commented that 'in a certain sense, denazification has indeed taken place,' and expressed hope that 'after Kapustin, his friends will follow,' also addressing Ukrainian officials.
Remigijus Motuzas, chairman of the Lithuanian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, and Kęstutis Budrys, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed concern about Volkov's statements. At the same time, it is worth noting that Igor Rogov, who received political asylum in Poland, is suspected of collaborating with the FSB of Russia.
In response to criticism, Volkov noted that 'these messages were emotional and harsh,' and acknowledged that 'I shouldn't have written this.' The situation surrounding his statements continues to provoke active discussions in Lithuania, where issues of national security and support for Ukraine remain in the spotlight.
This case underscores Lithuania's sensitivity to the issue of supporting Ukraine amid the war with Russia, as well as the importance of accountability for individuals residing on its territory for their statements. In the context of growing tensions in relations between Russia and Western countries, Lithuania demonstrates its readiness to defend its national interests and values, especially when it comes to issues related to security and stability in the region. Such events may impact the country's image as a refuge for opposition figures, which could lead to new discussions regarding asylum and immigration policies in Lithuania.