First Reactions to Navalny's Poisoning Case: BBC

“Russia viewed Navalny as a threat” – first reactions related to the poisoning case of the political figure. Several leading Western countries have made strong statements, while Russian sources have labeled reports of Navalny's poisoning as fake and propaganda, reports BBC.

Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, told reporters at the Munich Security Conference that results received from European countries confirm her long-standing claim that the President of Russia is personally responsible for his death. Navalny was poisoned with a rare toxin, epibatidine, which is derived from the skin of a South American frog.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also took part in the Munich conference, commented on the findings of the investigation: “I do not have time to think about it. Russia attacks and kills Ukrainians every day.”

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called Navalny's poisoning a “cowardly act of a frightened leader” on the X social media platform. Acclaiming Navalny’s courage, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “his determination to tell the truth has left a legacy that will continue.”

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced in Munich that only the Russian government had the means, motives, and opportunities to poison Navalny. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul commented, “Alexei Navalny was not only the brave face of Russian opposition but also a victim of treacherous poisoning.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France honors Navalny, who “died fighting for a free and democratic Russia.” In turn, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that “there will be results of studies, there will be materials and formulations – only then will there be comments.” According to the diplomat, without these, all statements and discussions are informational deception aimed at diverting attention from urgent problems in the West.