Leonid Volkov

Former coordinator of Navalny's headquarters.

In 2015, a case was opened against him for obstructing journalistic activities: Volkov was accused of damaging the microphone of a Life News employee. The case resulted from a pro-government provocation in Novosibirsk, where Volkov led the "Democratic Coalition" headquarters during local elections. During the campaign, opposition members faced regular pressure: Volkov encountered a phone provocation and hacking, unknown individuals threw eggs at Navalny, and people from the "Young Guard" deliberately came to work at the headquarters to spoil the signature sheets. On July 17, a day before the final deadline for submitting signatures to the election commission, a film crew from LifeNews and about ten activists from National Liberation Movement (NLM) burst into the "Democratic Coalition" headquarters. One of the channel’s employees, Alexander Postupinsky, attempted to film inside the Parnas headquarters, while Volkov tried to stop him. This became the formal reason for initiating the case. An examination showed that the microphone was operational but not in perfect condition. Then, the LifeNews employee gave new testimony, claiming that Volkov grabbed his left arm, causing physical pain. Previously, he had twice asserted that the opposition figure did not harm his health. Following this, Volkov was charged under Part 3, Article 144 of the Criminal Code — obstructing the lawful activities of a journalist combined with violence against a journalist or damage to their property. In August 2016, the court reclassified the charge to Part 1, Article 144, considering that Volkov did not use violence. On August 31, the opposition figure was fined 30,000 rubles.

On January 28, 2021, it became known that a criminal case had been initiated against Volkov for involving minors in activities dangerous to their lives. Volkov had previously left Russia. On January 29, he was charged in absentia and placed on a federal wanted list, and on February 10 — on an international wanted list; the court ruled to take him into custody in absentia.

In April 2021, it became known that a case had been opened against Navalny for creating a non-profit organization that infringes on the personality and rights of citizens. The case had been initiated back in February.

In August, a case was initiated against Volkov for fundraising for an extremist organization.

In September, it became known that a case had been initiated against Zhdanov and other supporters of Navalny for the activities of an extremist community. In October, information emerged that this case was merged with a case regarding the legalization of funds obtained by others through criminal means, as well as with the aforementioned cases concerning involving minors in dangerous activities, financing extremist activities, and creating a non-profit organization infringing on the personality and rights of citizens. Volkov is also involved in Navalny's fraud case related to donations to Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). In May 2022, he was also arrested in absentia in this case.

On July 22, 2022, it became known that a criminal case had been initiated against Volkov for publicly justifying terrorism. Later, information emerged that a case had also been initiated for disseminating knowingly false information about the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

On October 11, 2024, another case was initiated against Volkov for publicly justifying terrorism and disseminating knowingly false information about the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The case includes 16 episodes.

On June 11, 2025, the court sentenced Volkov in absentia to 18 years in prison and a fine of 2 million rubles.