This is reported by Kyiv24
The Migration Department of Lithuania has initiated a review of the statements made by Russian political émigré and head of the “Anti-Corruption Foundation” Leonid Volkov. This action was prompted by his remarks regarding “denazification” in the context of the announcement of the death of the commander of the “Russian Volunteer Corps” (RDK), Denis Kapustin, which has been deemed a staging.
Possible Revocation of Residence Permit
According to Lithuanian radio and television, the Migration Department has reached out to the State Security Department for additional consultation regarding the potential threat to national security posed by Volkov’s residence. In Lithuania, a temporary residence permit can be revoked if an individual poses a risk to national security, public order, or the health of citizens.
“On Tuesday, the Migration Department contacted the State Security Department for additional consultation regarding a possible threat to national security and requested an assessment of the foreigner’s statements that appeared in the public domain,” the Migration Department informed LRT.
On December 27, the RDK reported the death of its leader Denis Kapustin; however, on January 1, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine stated that the killing was staged to avoid Kapustin’s elimination by the enemy.
Content of Volkov’s Statements and Reaction
On January 5, Anna Tyron, representing the political wing of the RDK, published a screenshot of Volkov’s comment from December 29 on social media, in which he characterized Kapustin’s death as “denazification” and expressed negative sentiments towards him. Volkov also expressed a desire for “Kapustin’s friends to follow him,” and that high-ranking Ukrainian officials – Andriy Yermak, Mykhailo Podolyak, and Kyrylo Budanov – should “face justice,” along with “hypocritical propagandist thieves.”
In response, the RDK emphasized that it does not support conflicts between anti-Kremlin forces advocating for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. The organization reminded that it had already expressed condolences regarding the death of Alexei Navalny in February 2024 and noted that Volkov’s rhetoric resembles the position of the Russian authorities and harms the opposition movement.
Volkov explained that his statement was made in private correspondence and emphasized that he and his colleagues are fighting against Putin’s regime. He also stated: “And yes, I have a negative view of neo-Nazis. If this is a surprise to anyone, I apologize. Even a tactical alliance with them seems to me a great mistake.”
Denis Kapustin, for his part, labeled Volkov as “an agent of influence for Kremlin special services,” accusing him of dividing the opposition and undermining potential alliances between the FBK and other opposition structures. Kapustin was deprived of his residence permit in Germany in 2019 due to suspicions of involvement with far-right extremist groups.
Since 2022, Kapustin has led the RDK – an armed formation fighting alongside Ukraine as part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, primarily consisting of Russian citizens. In Russia, the RDK and FBK are recognized as terrorist organizations.