What's happened
Vladimir Volkov, a Russian opposition figure living in Lithuania, is under investigation in Ukraine for comments criticizing Ukrainian officials and the staged death of a far-right fighter. He also faces potential expulsion from Lithuania amid concerns over national security. The case highlights tensions over free speech and political dissent related to Ukraine and Russia.
What's behind the headline?
The case of Vladimir Volkov exemplifies the complex landscape of free speech for Russian dissidents abroad. His criticism of Ukrainian officials and far-right figures, despite supporting Ukraine's resistance, has triggered legal and diplomatic repercussions. This underscores how Eastern European countries, especially Lithuania, are increasingly sensitive to any perceived disloyalty or ambiguity regarding Ukraine. The Ukrainian investigation, which could lead to an eight-year prison sentence, reflects the broader effort to suppress dissent that questions official narratives about the war. Meanwhile, Lithuania's consideration of revoking Volkov's residence permit reveals a tightening of borders for Russian exiles, driven by security concerns. This situation illustrates the growing tension between protecting free speech and national security in a region deeply affected by the Ukraine conflict. It also foreshadows a potential chilling effect on other dissidents, who may feel less safe expressing critical views, even support for Ukraine, in exile.
What the papers say
The Moscow Times reports that Volkov is under investigation in Ukraine for comments that allegedly justified the invasion of Ukraine, with Ukrainian authorities considering criminal charges that could result in a prison sentence. The article highlights that Volkov expressed regret over his harsh comments but refused to retract his criticism of neo-Nazis and Russian officials. The New York Times emphasizes that Volkov, once a prominent opposition figure, faces a backlash in Lithuania for criticizing Ukraine, despite supporting its resistance. It notes that Lithuanian authorities are considering revoking his residence permit, citing security concerns, and that his in absentia sentence in Russia underscores the risks faced by dissidents. Both sources illustrate the broader context of repression and the limits of free speech for Russian exiles, especially when their views intersect with sensitive regional issues.
How we got here
Vladimir Volkov, a former chief of staff to opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, has been living in Lithuania since 2019. He was sentenced in absentia to 18 years in Russia on charges including spreading 'fake news' and rehabilitating Nazism. Recent leaks of private messages revealed his critical comments about Ukrainian officials and figures linked to far-right extremism, sparking investigations in Ukraine and threats of revocation of his residence permit in Lithuania.
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