Russian dissidents in Europe are facing increasing scrutiny for their public statements. Leonid Volkov, a prominent anti-Putin activist and former chief of staff to Alexei Navalny, faced backlash after a private rant criticizing Ukrainian officials was leaked. The incident occurred recently in Lithuania, where Volkov has resided for years. Lithuanian officials called for his expulsion, arguing he crossed a line by criticizing a nation defending itself from Russian aggression. This incident highlights the shrinking space for dissenting voices, even among anti-war Russians, in Eastern Europe. Volkov, despite his support for Ukraine, found himself at odds with the staunch pro-Kyiv stance of Lithuania and other nations fearing Russian expansion. The case has rattled the Russian exile community. Eastern European countries, prioritizing solidarity with Ukraine, are less tolerant of criticism, regardless of its source. The future for Russian dissidents in the region remains uncertain.
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