Two years after the death of Alexei Navalny, it seems certain that Vladimir Putin's most famous opponent was the victim of a deliberate assassination attempt using poison. Following new research, several European countries – Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands – said in a joint statement that there were clear signs that Navalny did not die of natural causes, as Russian authorities claimed, but was poisoned. The issue thus takes on a new importance in the international arena — political, diplomatic, and perhaps also in the context of international law.
For Marina Litvinenko, widow of Alexander Litvinenko, a Kremlin critic murdered in London in 2006 using radioactive polonium-210, the development of the situation is not a surprise. The fight for her husband's life lasted 23 days, and photos from the hospital spread all over the world.
A British investigation found that the murder was probably approved by the highest circles in Moscow. — For many, two years ago there was no doubt that Alexei Navalny had been murdered. The official confirmation that he was poisoned takes the case to a completely new level, Litvinenko tells Die Welt. Putin's regime systematically fights its opponents using various means – from radioactive polonium, through the chemical warfare agent Novichok, to exotic poisons.
After Moscow's war against Ukraine and the killing of thousands of civilians, Russia “fully deserves the status of a state supporting terrorism — not only in the political sense, but also in the legal sense,” says Litvinenko. — All sanctions related to such a status must be imposed on Russia, he adds. For her, the Navalny case follows a familiar pattern: the state treats critics as traitors — and persecutes them.
Evidence of poisoning
According to information from European security circles, toxicological analyzes indicate the use of a highly effective nerve agent. The discussion concerns a synthetically produced substance from the so-called group. epibatidine derivatives – extremely strong toxins whose chemical structure is based on an active substance originally discovered in South American poison frogs. It can only be produced in its pure form in a laboratory.
Even the smallest amounts of it have a huge impact on the central nervous system – they can cause paralysis, respiratory arrest and heart failure. The production of this substance is considered technically complex and requires specialized knowledge. Apparently, Western intelligence services managed to obtain the results of Navalny's autopsy. The Munich Security Conference was probably the appropriate place to make this information public.
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To what extent was the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) involved in obtaining this information? This remains a mystery for now. When asked for comment, she declined to speak on the matter. An agency spokeswoman explained that the BND “generally does not take public positions on matters relating to possible intelligence findings or activities.” — The Federal Intelligence Service informs, in particular, the federal government and the relevant secret bodies of the German Bundestag on relevant issues, she said.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said of the “shocking suspicion”. He added that if it is confirmed that chemical weapons were used again in Russia against a political opponent, it would be a “serious violation of international conventions” and further proof of the ruthlessness of the regime in Moscow. And that together with European partners, Germany will think about what consequences should be drawn from this.
A decisive step
Shortly after Navalny's death, Litvinenko, during a meeting with Die Welt journalists in Warsaw, said how she received the news about Alexei's death in the penal colony. At first she couldn't believe it. “The helplessness and anger at Putin immediately returned,” she said. Suddenly, she remembered the painful death of her husband. It was clear to her: anyone who openly opposes Putin is in danger – even behind prison walls.
In fact, Navalny's death is part of a series of similar events: the murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov in 2015 in Moscow, the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018 in the British Salisbury using Novichok, the assassination of Navalny himself in 2020 using the same nerve agent, which he then survived. The spotlight has repeatedly been on chemical or radioactive substances whose use is internationally condemned.
If the current findings are confirmed, the debate on the formal recognition of Russia as a state supporting terrorism will flare up again. Several parliaments in Europe have already discussed or adopted relevant resolutions. However, taking legally binding steps in this direction would have far-reaching consequences and would be a very sensitive political issue. Litvinenko is demanding just such a step – not only symbolic, but with clear legal consequences.
He draws a personal parallel with Yulia Navalnaya. Just as she became the voice of her husband after his murder, now Navalnana must continue her husband's political legacy. Silence is not an option. Two years after Navalny's death, Marina Litvinenko's message is clear: as long as Putin's regime exists, every opponent of the Kremlin remains in danger — regardless of whether he lives in Russia or in exile.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
