Alexei Navalny's death: Cautious US says still seeking confirmation

Alexei Navalny's death: Should the news be confirmed, it underscores the "weakness and rot" at the heart of the Russian government, says Antony Blinken

Updated on: Feb 16, 2024, 19:03:46 IST

By HT News Desk

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The United States is actively seeking confirmation of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's reported death, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told National Public Radio.

Alexei Navalny Dies: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a screen via video link from a penal colony in the Vladimir Region. (File)

"If it's confirmed, it is a terrible tragedy," he said in an interview.

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said that should Alexei Navalny's death be confirmed, it underscores the "weakness and rot" at the heart of the Russian government.

"His death in a Russian prison and the fixation and fear of one man only underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built," he said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

"Russia is responsible for this," he added.

This comes as Alexei Navalny's press secretary Kira Yarmysh said his team had not been informed of his death and that his lawyer was on his way to the prison.

In 2021, US president Joe Biden said after meeting Vladimir Putin in Switzerland, "I made it clear to him that I believe the consequences of that would be devastating for Russia."

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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