In a coordinated move, several European Union member states have taken diplomatic action in response to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died while imprisoned in a remote Arctic facility.
Among the countries expressing their dismay and seeking explanations from Russia are Germany, Lithuania, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, each summoning Russian diplomats to address the matter.
Navalny's Controversial Death
Navalny, aged 47, was serving a 19-year sentence when he passed away, following a poisoning incident in 2020 which he attributed to the Kremlin.
His death has sparked outrage across the West, with many pointing fingers at Russian authorities for eliminating one of the most vocal critics of President Vladimir Putin just a month before presidential elections that are expected to solidify Putin’s control.
International Calls for Accountability
The Netherlands' Foreign Affairs Minister, Hanke Bruins Slot, took to X to express her dismay, stating, "It is terrible that Alexei Navalny has paid the ultimate price for his fight for a free and democratic Russia."
She further revealed that she had demanded an explanation from the Russian ambassador and called for Navalny's body to be released to his family.
Sweden's Foreign Minister, Tobias Billstrom, also made a strong statement, advocating for the European Union to contemplate "a new sanctions regime targeting the internal repression in Russia."
Similarly, Spain's Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, has called for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Navalny's death,
