Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unfazed by international outrage over the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny as he gears up to extend his rule in an upcoming election despite continued suppression of protests by Russian police. The U.S. and its allies consider imposing new sanctions on Russia over Navalny’s death and recent actions in Ukraine, yet previous rounds of penalties have had little effect. Mark Galeotti of Mayak Intelligence suggests focusing on supporting Navalny’s allies and providing ordinary Russians access to alternative information sources to counter Kremlin propaganda. Navalny’s death is seen as a step towards Putin’s transition from “hybrid authoritarianism” to “brutal thuggish despotism.”
Efforts to support Ukraine are underway among U.S. and NATO allies, but Putin remains resolute in his determination to maintain his gains. Navalny’s death underscores Putin’s disregard for Western and international opinion, signaling a challenge to Western resolve as the conflict in Ukraine persists. Nigel Gould-Davies emphasizes the need for the West to respond decisively to Navalny’s death, urging U.S. Republicans and European NATO allies to increase aid to Ukraine.
Despite Navalny’s death, there is no commitment from the U.S. House speaker to pass a proposed $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. Putin, the longest-serving Russian leader since Stalin, is set to secure another six years in power in an election where opposition figures face significant hurdles. Navalny’s absence from the election campaign highlights the Kremlin’s concern about his influence, even from prison.
Navalny’s death is perceived as a blow to organized opposition in Russia ahead of the presidential election. Despite Putin’s anticipated victory, he remains wary of Western interference and views Navalny as a tool of Western manipulation. Tatiana Stanovaya predicts a more repressive approach from Putin in response to perceived external threats, potentially leading to tighter media and social network controls.
Navalny emerged as a prominent figure over a decade ago, leading protests against Putin’s rule and exposing government corruption. He symbolized hope for many Russians, contrasting the Kremlin’s message of survival with a vision of a better future for Russia. Surviving a nerve agent poisoning in 2020, Navalny continued to challenge Putin until his imprisonment and subsequent death.
Putin’s silence on Navalny’s death is accompanied by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov’s dismissal of Western accusations. However, Western leaders view the Kremlin’s response with suspicion, reminiscent of the skepticism surrounding the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, perceived as retribution by the Kremlin for a failed rebellion.
Both Navalny’s and Prigozhin’s deaths underscore Putin’s ruthless approach to maintaining power, highlighting the challenges faced by those opposing his regime.
