In a recent development, Lithuania has expressed suspicions that Russian special services were behind the attack on Russian opposition figure Leonid Volkov earlier this week. The incident, described as an act of "political terrorism," occurred when Volkov was assaulted outside his home in Vilnius with a hammer.

Volkov, a close ally of the late Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny, was briefly admitted to the hospital following the attack. Lithuanian intelligence services have released a statement asserting that the assault was likely organized by Russia and now believe it was executed by a locally recruited individual.

Darius Jauniskis, the head of Lithuanian intelligence, told reporters that the attack bears the hallmarks of the Russian special services' involvement. Although he refrained from providing further details due to an ongoing investigation, Jauniskis called for increased protection of Russian opposition figures in Lithuania.

The attack on Volkov comes nearly a month after Navalny's death while in custody at an Arctic prison, an incident that Volkov and other allies of the late activist have attributed to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The assault also occurred just days before Lithuania's upcoming presidential election, scheduled to take place from March 15-17.

Lithuanian police have chosen not to comment on the security arrangements made for Volkov prior to or after the attack. However, Vilmantas Vitkauskas, the head of the national crisis management center, described the assault as professional and well-planned, suggesting the perpetrator may have received detailed instructions or undergone thorough preparation.

President Gitanas Nauseda of Lithuania stated that the potential involvement of Moscow should not come as a surprise, emphasizing that there have been several incidents demonstrating the planning of such acts. Nauseda directly addressed Putin, asserting that no one fears him in Lithuania and encouraging him to be respected and listened to instead.

When questioned about the attack on Volkov, the Kremlin declined to comment, citing that it occurred in another country. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, took the opportunity to remark that people should not fear Putin but rather respect and listen to him.

The investigation into the attack on Volkov is ongoing, as Lithuania vows to protect Russian opposition figures within its borders. The incident serves as a grave reminder of the challenges faced by critics of the Russian government and highlights the need for increased security and attention towards their safety.