Biden, the West Pin Alexei Navalny’s Death on Putin

Confidence UbaniFebruary 16, 20241 Mins read576

Russia’s prominent opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, known as the most significant critic of President Vladimir Putin, has passed away in an Arctic Circle jail. He allegedly died in one of Russia’s toughest penal colonies, after taking a walk around the prison area.

The circumstances surrounding his demise have triggered international condemnation, with Western leaders holding Russia responsible for the tragic event.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed outrage and joined global leaders in criticising Russia over Navalny’s death.

He stated that the reports point to something done by “Putin and his thugs.” Navalny, with his anti-corruption activism, had become the most prominent leader in Russia’s opposition, offering hope for an alternative future.

Speaking at the White House, Biden remarked: “We don’t know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did. Russian authorities are going to tell their own story, but make no mistake. Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death.”

Navalny’s death has raised suspicions, with accusations of murder surfacing, although the Kremlin denies any involvement. The Kremlin’s reaction to Western leaders’ statements has been described as “absolutely rabid” by Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman. Western leaders asserted that Putin is accountable for Navalny’s death.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia, told the Munich Security Conference she was not certain of the news because “Putin and his government… lie incessantly”.

“But if this is true, I want Putin, his entire entourage, Putin’s friends, his government to know that they will bear responsibility for what they did to our country, to my family, to my husband,” Yulia said.

The Kremlin said Putin had been informed of Navalny’s death; no further update is available at the moment.