In a disturbing incident, Leonid Volkov, the former chief of staff of the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, was attacked on Tuesday outside his house in Vilnius, Lithuania. The assault occurred just days before Russia's upcoming presidential election, which is widely expected to result in President Vladimir Putin's re-election.

The attack was reported by Navalny's spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, who took to social media to provide details of the incident. According to Yarmysh, an unidentified individual broke a car window and sprayed tear gas into Volkov's eyes before proceeding to physically assault him with a hammer. Fortunately, Volkov managed to make it back to his home, where he awaits assistance from the police and ambulance services.

Volkov, who had previously served as the chairman of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation until 2023, has been a vocal critic of the upcoming presidential election. In February, he described the election as a "circus" and claimed that its sole purpose was to showcase Putin's overwhelming support among the masses.

The attack on Volkov is yet another blow to the Russian opposition movement, which has been reeling since Navalny's death last month. Navalny, a prominent anti-Putin figure, died while in a Russian prison, sparking international outrage and allegations of foul play from his aides. The Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement in his death.

The timing of this attack, so close to the presidential election, raises concerns about the safety and security of opposition activists in Russia. As the country prepares to go to the polls, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the already limited political climate in the nation.

International leaders and organizations have condemned the attack on Volkov and reiterated their calls for a transparent investigation into Navalny's death. The Russian government, however, has given no indication of deviating from its position of denial and has instead focused on the upcoming election as its main priority.

The assault on Leonid Volkov serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo in Russia. As the nation prepares for its presidential election, the safety and well-being of opposition figures remain a pressing concern, casting a shadow over the democratic process itself.