Biden Accuses Putin of Responsibility in Navalny’s Reported Death

US President Joe Biden directly blamed Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the reported death of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, calling him a “powerful voice for the truth.” Biden expressed outrage, holding Putin and his “thugs” responsible, emphasizing Navalny’s fate as proof of Putin’s brutality.

While not specifying the exact circumstances, Biden asserted, “Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death.” The President, considering response options, had warned Putin in 2021 that Navalny’s death would be devastating for Russia.

Biden praised Navalny’s courage even in prison and mourned the loss of a significant opposition figure. Navalny’s demise, occurring a month before a crucial election, leaves Russia’s opposition without its leader amid heightened repression and Moscow’s Ukraine invasion.