West reacts to Putin critic Navalny's death

The front pages and covers of every major media in the globe have reports about Alexei Navalny's passing. After his death, politicians likewise reacted quickly.

Latvia 

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics was the first world leader to comment on reports of Alexei Navalny's death, blaming the Russian authorities for the murder.

“Whatever you think of Alexei Navalny as a politician, he has just been brutally murdered by the Kremlin. This is a fact, and it's something everyone should know about the true nature of the current Russian regime,” Rinkevich wrote.

United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This is terrible news. As the most ardent defender of Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny has demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life.”

Germany 

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also commented on Alexei Navalny’ death: “Navalny paid with death for his courage to return to Russia.”

Sweden

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said if the “dreadful news” about Navalny is true then it “represents another terrible crime by Putin’s regime”.

“The ruthlessness against Navalny shows again why it is necessary to continue to fight against authoritarianism.”

France

"Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression," French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on X. "His death at a penal colony reminds us of the reality of Vladimir Putin's regime.”

NATO

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by the reports of Navalny’s death.

“We need to establish all the facts, and Russia needs to answer all the serious questions about the circumstances of his death.”

European Union 

European Council President Charles Michel said the Russian dissident “fought for the values of freedom and democracy” and made the ultimate sacrifice.

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