PHOTO: VASILY MAXIMOV / AFP
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.
'OBVIOUS'
Meanwhile Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said that it was "obvious" that Navalny was killed by the regime of President Putin, "who must be held to account over his death".
"Obviously he was killed by Putin. Like thousands of others who have been tortured," said Zelensky, adding that this demonstrates why Putin must be made to "lose everything and held accountable for his actions".
Poland's top diplomat also blamed President Putin.
"He was convicted in a trial on false charges, with false evidence. He was put in prison, where he lived in terrible conditions. Vladimir Putin is responsible for all this," Radoslaw Sikorski said in a statement to the state news agency.
At the same time, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said there were "serious questions" for the Kremlin to answer over the death of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
"I am deeply saddened and concerned about reports coming from Russia that Alexei Navalny is dead, all the facts have to be established and Russia has serious questions to answer," Stoltenberg told journalists.
