An ally of Alexei Navalny claimed on Monday that just before the suspicious death of the prominent Kremlin opponent on February 16, Navalny was apparently on the verge of being exchanged for a Russian prisoner in Germany; a report confirmed by Navalny's family and supporters. Maria Pevchikh stated in a video announcement that negotiations for the exchange were finalized on February 15, just one day before Navalny's death in prison. She also alleged that the design of Navalny's death was orchestrated the following day by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pevchikh, who is outside of Russia, did not provide evidence for her claims. The Kremlin rejected her statements, claiming that Navalny's death certificate cited "natural causes". According to Maria Pevchikh, the proposed exchange involved Alexei Navalny and two American citizens for Russian killer Vadim Krasikov in Germany. She also claimed that Roman Abramovich, the Russian oligarch billionaire, acted as a mediator in these negotiations. Alexei Navalny, the most prominent political opponent of Vladimir Putin, suspiciously died on February 16 while serving a 30-year sentence in IK-6 prison in the Yamalo-Nenets region, about 1900 kilometers northeast of Moscow. U.S. President Joe Biden responded by stating that Putin is responsible for Navalny's death. On March 4, he also announced that the U.S. would impose over 500 new sanctions on Russia in commemoration of the second anniversary of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine and the crackdown on Kremlin opponents within Russia, as well as Navalny's suspicious death. Russian officials handed over Navalny's body to his mother. Navalny's spokesperson stated that Russian officials gave his mother an "ultimatum" for her son's burial. Biden announced the imposition of 500 new sanctions against Russia. The European Union called for a "transparent international investigation" into Navalny's death. The White House responded to Navalny's death by stating that "major sanctions" await Russia. Biden reiterated that Putin is responsible for Alexei Navalny's death. The death of Alexei Navalny, the most prominent opponent of Putin, in prison; Navalny's assistant: He was killed.
Ally of Alexei Navalny Claims He Was About to Be Exchanged Before Suspicious Death
Maria Pevchikh, an ally of Alexei Navalny, claims he was about to be exchanged for a Russian prisoner before his suspicious death, which she alleges was orchestrated by Putin. The Kremlin denies these claims, citing natural causes for his death. This incident has prompted significant international reactions, including new sanctions from the U.S. and calls for investigations from the EU.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
An ally of Alexei Navalny claims he was about to be exchanged for a Russian prisoner before his suspicious death, which she alleges was orchestrated by Putin. The Kremlin denies these claims, citing natural causes for his death.
- Navalny died in prison on February 16 under suspicious circumstances.
- The U.S. and EU are calling for investigations and imposing sanctions on Russia.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Alexei Navalny was a key opposition figure in Russia, known for his anti-corruption campaigns and criticism of Putin's regime. His imprisonment and subsequent death have been widely condemned by Western governments.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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