Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence, has claimed that Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny died of natural causes, specifically a blood clot.
This assertion contradicts widespread speculation about the circumstances surrounding Navalny's death, providing a new perspective on an issue that has garnered international attention.
Speaking at the "Ukraine. Year 2024" forum, Budanov addressed the cause of Navalny's death, stating, "I may disappoint you, but we know he died from a blood clot. It's more or less confirmed. This is not taken from the Internet, but, unfortunately, a natural [death]." This statement, as reported by Hromadske, marks a significant development in the narrative surrounding the dissident's demise.
Budanov's comments came amid broader discussions about Russia's internal and external policies. He explicitly warned against the assumption that the Russian regime could collapse without external intervention, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures.
"Without our help, it is unrealistic," Budanov asserted, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical struggle between Ukraine and Russia.
The intelligence chief also spoke on the strategic importance of maintaining pressure on Russia, mentioning plans for further operations on Russian territory, particularly in Crimea.
"As long as we are at war, there will be problems within the Russian Federation," he noted, suggesting that destabilization within Russia is a component of Ukraine's broader strategy. Budanov ominously hinted at upcoming actions, advising the civilian population to steer clear of the Crimean 'bridge', indicating potential military movements or operations.
