World leaders react on Alexei Navalny's death, Biden says ‘not surprised’

On 16 February 2024, US President Joe Biden said that there was "no doubt" that the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was the "consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did". Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, died in prison after years of persecution by the Russian government. The cause of death has not yet been definitively determined, but Biden's statement reflects the US government's belief that Navalny was poisoned while in custody.

Aleksey Navalny's courage will never be forgotten.

This tragedy – further proof of Putin's brutality – reminds us of the stakes of this moment.

Failure to support Ukraine against his vicious onslaught will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/h1AM76BV8K

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 16, 2024

"We don't know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Nalvany was a consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did," Biden said at the White House after Russian prison officials announced that Navalny had died.

"Russian authorities are going to tell their own story," Biden said. "But make no mistake. Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny's death."

He also stated he was "contemplating" additional steps to punish Russia in the aftermath of Navalny's death, paying tribute to the opposition leader for "bravely" standing up to Putin's government's "corruption" and "violence."

"We're contemplating what else can be done," Biden said in response to questions from reporters. "We're looking at a whole number of options, that's all I'll say right now."

Britain's Rishi Sunak calls it 'terrible news'

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of United Kingdom has condemned the attack. He called it ‘terrible news’ and paid tributes to the leader. 

"This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life," Sunak said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy."

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. https://t.co/AQvQQW5GBh

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 16, 2024

The Russian government, meanwhile, has denied any role in Navalny's demise and charged the US of leveling "unfounded accusations" against it. Supporters of Navalny have demanded an impartial inquiry into his passing, but the Russian government has declined.

Will Alexei Navalny’s death impact on Russia?

The death of Navalny has been met with international condemnation, with leaders from around the world calling on the Russian government to conduct a full and transparent investigation. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Navalny's death, and the US government is considering further sanctions.

The death of Navalny is a major setback for democracy in Russia. Navalny was a charismatic and popular leader who posed a serious challenge to Putin's regime. His death is likely to further embolden the Russian government and could lead to a crackdown on dissent.

The international community has a responsibility to hold the Russian government accountable for the death of Navalny and to support the Russian people in their struggle for democracy.