White House Responds to Alexei Navalny's Death: 'Major Sanctions' Awaiting Russia

The White House says it is preparing 'major sanctions' against Russia in response to the death of Alexei Navalny, the opposition leader to Putin, in a prison in the Arctic. John Kirby, the White House National Security Council's communications advisor, stated on Tuesday that the new sanctions package will be unveiled on Friday. According to the Associated Press, he refrained from providing details about the new sanctions, citing U.S. government policy, and did not clarify how the new sanctions would expand upon the severe sanctions already imposed by the U.S. and its allies in retaliation for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Kirby only mentioned that the Russian sanctions, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the invasion, will 'specifically be complemented by additional sanctions related to Mr. Navalny's death.' Brian Nelson, the U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, is in Europe this week to continue work on sanctions against Russia ahead of the second anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and his associates of being involved in the suspicious death of Alexei Navalny, stating that Washington is considering further sanctions against Moscow. Biden told reporters at the White House on Monday that the U.S. has already sanctioned Russia but intends to impose more sanctions as well. Alexei Navalny, a 47-year-old staunch opponent of Putin, known as the leader of the Russian opposition, died on Friday in a prison located 1900 kilometers northeast of Moscow. Zelensky: Delays in sending foreign aid have made the situation at the front 'very difficult.' The European Union has called for new sanctions against Russia due to Navalny's death. Biden announced the consideration of new sanctions against Russia due to Navalny's suspicious death. Hundreds have been arrested in Russia for commemorating Alexei Navalny; Yulia Navalnaya: 'I love you.'