EU says Russia solely responsible for Navalny death

The European Union on Friday said that it held President Vladimir Putin's Russia solely responsible for the death in prison of exiled opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

"Alexei Navalny fought for the values of freedom and democracy. For his ideals, he made the ultimate sacrifice," European Council President Charles Michel posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"The EU holds the Russian regime for sole responsible for this tragic death."


European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the news of Navalny's death was "a grim reminder of what Putin and his regime are all about".

"Putin fears nothing more than dissent from his own people," Von der Leyen wrote on X.

The head of the European Parliament, which gave Navalny its top rights prize in 2021, said his "courage will echo through generations".

"Russia took his freedom & his life, but not his dignity. His struggle for democracy lives on," parliament president Roberta Metsola said.