The death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of the Russian government, has sparked widespread reactions, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Navalny’s family is devastated, with his widow mourning intensely, while those who supported him clandestinely are scrutinizing the surrounding events.
These are some of the reactions of personalities worldwide to the death of Alexei Navalny:
United States President, Joe Biden unequivocally holds Putin responsible, stating that regardless of whether Putin directly ordered it, he bears responsibility for the situation Navalny faced. He asserts that such actions cannot be tolerated and warns of consequences.
“The fact of the matter is, Putin is responsible. Whether he ordered it, he’s responsible for the circumstances they put that man in. And it’s a reflection of who he is. It just cannot be tolerated. I said there will be a price to pay.”
In contrast, former President Donald Trump and some Republicans have offered different perspectives. Trump, in a Fox News event, likened his legal troubles to political persecution akin to Navalny’s situation and vaguely addressed Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
“It’s a horrible thing, but it’s happening in our country, too. We are turning into a communist country in many ways. And if you look at it, I’m the leading candidate. I get … I never heard of being indicted before. … I got indicted four times, I have eight or nine trials, all because of the fact that — and you know this — all because of the fact that I’m in politics.”
Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, directly accuses Putin of her husband’s death, lamenting the loss of her beloved. Meanwhile, Nadya Tolokonnikova, co-founder of Pussy Riot, vows to continue Navalny’s fight for a better Russia.
“Vladimir Putin killed my husband, Alexey Navalny. Putin killed my children’s father. Putin took away the most precious thing I ever had. The closest and most loved man.”
Pussy Riot Co-Founder, Nadya Tolokonnikova says:
“I know that if Navalny was here, he would want us to continue fighting, and he would want us to never give up. So, I guess our role is to carry his torch and do whatever we can – every one of us – to bring the beautiful new Russia of the future into reality. It’s a dream Navalny gave us.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who spoke on the ongoing toll of the conflict with Russia, called for introspection on Putin’s ability to perpetuate it. Also, Ukrainian Armed Forces Major Volodymyr Omelyn acknowledges the challenges but underscores the determination to prevail.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President:
“Do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself, why is Putin still able to continue it?”
Volodymyr Omelyn, Ukraine Armed Forces Major:
“We become much stronger by arms, by people. And definitely, it’s not a kind of pleasant cruise. And it’s not that war will be over in two or three weeks or very soon. It will take a while, unfortunately, but morale is still very high. If there is no will, there is no victory, and in our case will is strong.”
Russian officials, on the other hand, enact laws targeting dissenters and tightening control, as highlighted by Russia State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin and opposition leader Dmitry Gudkov.
“This law is about scoundrels and traitors. About those who spit at the backs of our soldiers, who have betrayed their motherland, who send money to the country that is at war with us, or if they are abroad, get revenue by renting out their Russian property!”
Dmitry Gudkov, Russian Opposition Leader:
“They’ve adopted a very versatile law that can be interpreted however they want to. It allows authorities to make all sorts of decisions regarding property confiscation. This is done to make sure people are afraid to gather in front of embassies, afraid to rally, afraid to vote for anyone but Putin or take part in protests against Putin’s rule.”
Meanwhile, international observers, including John Herbst and Andrew Wood, shed light on Russia’s attempts to maintain a narrative about its activities in Ukraine and the growing discontent within Russian society.
John Herbst, Atlantic Council:
“The Russian government wants to project a myth about the Russian Army’s activities in Ukraine. They want to deny the war crimes. They want to hide the failures. And so, they will punish people who break those myths.”
Andrew Wood, Chatham House:
“The opinion in Russia of the futile achievements they had from the war and the reasons that it started, the complaints of people who have relatives or husbands on the front against what is being done … it’s increased! And I think Putin himself is a bit more conscious of the fact that his hold is not as big as it has been on the Russian population.”
Recall that Navalny’s body has been handed to his mother raises further questions amid accusations against Putin and the Kremlin’s denial.
Navalny’s ordeal, including a poisoning attempt and harsh treatment in prison, underscores the contentious relationship between the opposition and the Russian government.
Who will bell this cat?
