The well-known opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin could have been included in the agreement between Moscow and several Western countries, which on Thursday allowed the release of 16 people in exchange for ten Russians.
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A general relief, haunted by an absence. The West welcomes the release of prisoners in a historic exchange with Russia, but the United States has revealed that Alexei Navalny could also have been on the list. “We had worked with our partners on an agreement that would have included Alexei Navalny but, unfortunately, he died” in February under unclear circumstances, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan lamented on Thursday, August 1.
The famous opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin could have been included in the agreement between Moscow and several Western countries that on Thursday allowed the release of 16 people in exchange for ten Russians. But in February 2024, in the middle of negotiations, Alexei Navalny was declared dead in an Arctic prison, known for its particularly harsh conditions.
His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, welcomed the prisoner exchange. “It’s a great happiness! Every release of a political prisoner is an immense victory and a joy”she wrote on social media. “No one should be held hostage by Putin, tortured and die in Putin’s prisons.”
