The European Union Calls for 'Transparent International Investigations' into Navalny's Death

On Tuesday, February 20, the European Union summoned the Russian representative to the Union, demanding 'independent and transparent international investigations' into the death of Alexei Navalny, a staunch critic of Vladimir Putin. Michael Siebert, the Director-General for Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia at the European diplomatic service, asked Kirill Logvinov, the permanent representative of Russia to the EU, to ensure that the Russian government hands over Navalny's body to his family without further delay. According to this EU official, President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials are responsible for Navalny's death. The Kremlin has denied involvement in Navalny's murder, stating that Western accusations are unacceptable. The Russian Investigative Committee claims to have initiated an investigation into Navalny's death, while the Kremlin has stated that it will not bow to the EU's demands. Meanwhile, the Belgian government also announced on Tuesday that it summoned the Russian ambassador in Brussels due to Navalny's death and called for an independent investigation. Additionally, the White House reacted to Navalny's death by stating that 'major sanctions' await Russia. According to the Russian prison service, the 47-year-old Navalny collapsed after a walk in a prison above the Arctic Circle where he was serving his sentence and died suddenly. On Monday, February 19, EU countries called for new sanctions against Moscow due to the death of this imprisoned opposition leader. At the same time, the thirteenth package of EU sanctions against Moscow is on the agenda ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated on the sidelines of the EU foreign ministers' meeting that support for Kremlin opponents must continue while monitoring developments in the war in Ukraine. He added, 'For about two years, Putin has waged this war against Ukraine, and it does not seem that he intends to end it. Therefore, we must continue our support for Ukraine and the Russian people who want to live in freedom and honor Navalny on both political and military fronts.' Yulia Navalnaya, Alexei Navalny's widow, also met with EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Tuesday. Before this meeting, she stated in a nine-minute message that she would continue her deceased husband's fight for a 'free Russia' and urged opponents to commit to battling Vladimir Putin with more anger than ever. Alexei Navalny's wife: Putin killed him; tributes to Navalny in various cities in Russia. Reports from Voice of America on the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; Navalny's suspicious death is in the spotlight. Widespread reactions from around the world to Navalny's death; report by Farhad Poladi. The EU called for new sanctions against Russia due to Navalny's death. Joe Biden announced the consideration of new sanctions against Russia due to Alexei Navalny's suspicious death. Hundreds arrested in Russia for commemorating Alexei Navalny; Yulia Navalnaya: I love you.