(NewsNation) — President Joe Biden blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin directly for the reported death of Alexei Navalny — Putin’s fiercest critic.
“Russian authorities are going to tell their own story. Make no mistake, make no mistake. Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. Putin is responsible. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin’s brutality,” Biden said during a press conference Friday.
It was reported Navalny died in prison Friday after feeling unwell following a walk, Russian authorities said. Russia said it has no information on Navalny’s death, other than the 47-year-old collapsed and was unable to be resuscitated.
However, Navalny’s lawyer has been unable to confirm his death, which was reported by the country’s prison service early Friday morning.
Biden previously warned Russia back in 2021 of “devastating” consequences for the country if Navalny died in prison. During the press conference, Biden told reporters that conversations were being had on how to respond.
As news of Navalny’s untimely and suspicious death broke, world leaders have begun to react, blaming the Kremlin for his critic’s reported death.
The European Union has held Russia fully responsible for Navalny’s death, saying Putin’s critic fought for the values of freedom and democracy.
Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalny, spoke of her husband’s alleged death at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, saying Putin will not go unpunished for what he has done.
“I don’t know whether or not to believe the news, the terrible news that we only get from government sources in Russia, because for years — and you all know this — we can’t believe Putin and Putin’s government. They’re always lying,” she said.
She continued, “But if this is true, I want Putin and all of his entourage — Putin’s friends and his government — to know that they will be held accountable for what they have done to our country, to my family and to my husband. And that day will come very soon.”
US reaction
President Joe Biden
“Like millions of people around the world, I am both not surprised and outraged by the news of the reported death of Alexei Navalny. He bravely stood up to all the bad things the Putin government was doing. In response, Putin had him poisoned, he had him arrested, he had him prosecuted for fabricated crimes, he sent him to prison, he was held in isolation and even all that didn’t stop him from calling out Putin’s lies.”
“Russian authorities are going to tell their own story. Make no mistake, make no mistake. Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. Putin is responsible. What has happened to Navalny is yet more proof of Putin’s brutality.”
Vice President Kamala Harris
“We’ve received reports that Navalny has died in Russia. This is terrible news and we’re working to confirm. My prayers are with his family, including his wife who is with us today. If confirmed, this will be a further sign of Putin’s brutality. Whatever they say, let’s be clear Russia is responsible and we will have more to say later.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken
“The fear of one man only underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built. Russia is responsible for this. We’ll be talking to the many other countries concerned about Alexei Navalny especially if these reports bear out to be true.”
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan
“If it’s confirmed, it is a terrible tragedy. Given the Russian government’s long and (sordid) history of doing harm to its opponents, it raises real and obvious questions about what happened here. But I withhold further comments on it until we learn more, and we are actively seeking confirmation as I know Mr. Navalny’s family is as well. We will determine from there what comes next.”
Sen. Mark Warner
“The death of Alexei Navalny is yet another heartbreaking reminder of who Vladimir Putin is: a bloodthirsty tyrant who thinks he can get away with anything. It’s another reason why we must continue to stand with the cause of freedom in opposition to Putin’s brutality.”
Sen. Thom Tillis
“Navalny laid down his life fighting for the freedom of the country he loved. Putin is a murderous, paranoid dictator. History will not be kind to those in America who make apologies for Putin and praise Russian autocracy. Nor will history be kind to America’s leaders who stay silent because they fear backlash from online pundits.”
World reaction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“We have just learned that Alexei Navalny has died in a Russian prison. Obviously, he was killed by Putin, like thousands of others who have been tormented, tortured because of this one person. Putin doesn’t care who dies, as long as he retains his position. And that is why he must not keep anything — Putin must lose everything, he must not retain anything and must be held accountable for what he has done.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
“Russia has some very serious questions to answer.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
“It has not yet been conclusively confirmed, but we must assume with a high degree of probability that it is true, namely that Mr. Navalny has died in a Russian prison. And that is something that is very depressing. I met Mr. Navalny here in Berlin when he was in Germany trying to recover from the poisoning attack and I also spoke to him about the great courage it took to go back to the country. He has probably now paid for this courage with his life. But we now, if we didn’t already, know exactly what kind of regime this is.
“Anyone who voices criticism, who stands up for democracy, must fear for their safety and their lives. We feel with the family, the wife and child and all the relatives and friends. This is a terrible thing. Also, a sign of how Russia has changed after the hopeful developments that unfortunately now feel a long time ago, which were in the direction of democracy. This is no longer a democracy, and has not been for a long time now.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
“This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life. My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy.”
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly
“Alexei Navalny paid with his freedom in the hope of a better and more democratic future for the Russian people. The news of his death is a painful reminder of the persistence of Putin’s oppressive regime. My thoughts are with his wife, Yulia, his family and his loved ones.”
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský
“It’s still the case that just as Russia treats its foreign policy, it treats its citizens. It has turned into a violent state that kills people who dream of a better future, like Nemtsov or now Navalny — imprisoned and tortured to death for standing up to Putin. Rest in peace.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
“Very shocked by the news of the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. It illustrates the unprecedented brutality of the Russian regime. Navalny fought for democratic values and against corruption. He had to pay for his struggle with death while he was held under the most harsh and inhumane conditions. I wish his family, loved ones and everyone who fought with him for change in Russia much strength.”
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne
“Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression. His death in a penal colony reminds us of the reality of Vladimir Putin’s regime. To his family, his loved ones and the Russian people, France presents its condolences.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
“The Government will always be at the side of those who fight for democracy, for freedom of thought and for the inalienable rights of every human being. I am very touched by the death of #AlexeyNavalny after years of persecution in prison, we sympathize with his family and the Russian people.”
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics
“Whatever your thoughts about Alexei Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin. That’s a fact and that is something one should know about the true nature of Russia’s current regime. My condolences to the family and friends.”
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström
“Dreadful news about Alexei Navalny … If the report about his death in Russian prison is true it represents another terrible crime by Putin’s regime. The ruthlessness against Navalny shows again why it is necessary to continue to fight against authoritarianism.”