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Alexei Navalny’s body to be held for two weeks for ‘chemical analysis’, family told

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The family of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin who recently died in a Russian prison, has reportedly been informed that his body will not be released for two weeks. According to a representative for Navalny, his mother was told that his body is being held for “chemical analysis”. Despite efforts to locate the body, there has been no confirmation of its whereabouts from Russian authorities, and attempts to find it have been repeatedly blocked. Navalny’s wife has accused Russian authorities of concealing his body and alleged that it is being held until traces of Novichok, the nerve agent used in a previous poisoning attempt on Navalny, disappear.

In a video statement, Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, accused President Putin of being responsible for her husband’s death and called on viewers to join her in seeking justice. Navalny’s death was announced on Friday, with authorities stating that he had never regained consciousness after collapsing during a walk in the Siberian penal colony where he was imprisoned. His mother and lawyer rushed to the colony upon hearing the news, but their attempts to locate the body have been thwarted by prison officials and local authorities.

The Kremlin has stated that an investigation into Navalny’s death is ongoing, but no results have been reported thus far. Navalny’s spokeswoman has said that investigators informed Navalny’s mother that the body would not be released for two weeks due to “chemical analysis”.

Western leaders have blamed President Putin for Navalny’s death and are considering imposing new sanctions on Russia in response. The UK Foreign Secretary has indicated that Britain and other G7 nations are likely to impose fresh sanctions on individuals implicated in Navalny’s death. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed these statements as “arrogant” and “unacceptable”, while Russian prison authorities have attributed Navalny’s death to “sudden death syndrome”.

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Navalny’s widow accuses Putin of killing him and vows to continue his work

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Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny, has directly accused President Vladimir Putin of bearing responsibility for her husband’s demise. Through a video shared on Navalny’s social media platforms, Navalnaya unequivocally stated that Putin had “killed the father of my children” and robbed her of her “closest and most beloved person.”

Navalnaya further criticized Russian authorities for allegedly concealing Navalny’s body, insinuating that they were attempting to obscure the true cause of death. She suggested that they might be waiting for any potential traces of a Novichok poisoning to dissipate, referencing Navalny’s previous poisoning with the nerve agent in August 2020. This incident had been later linked to an FSB hit squad, as uncovered by a joint investigation by CNN and Bellingcat.

Despite Navalnaya’s strong assertions, she did not provide any evidence to substantiate her claim that a second poisoning led to her husband’s recent death in an Arctic penal colony. The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s demise remain unclear, with the Kremlin acknowledging an ongoing investigation into the matter. As of now, the results of this investigation are yet to be determined.

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Putin critic Alexei Navalny dies in Arctic Circle jail, says Russia

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Alexei Navalny, the prominent opposition figure in Russia, has tragically passed away in a jail located in the Arctic Circle, according to the prison service. Navalny, who had been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism that many believed to be politically motivated. His death has sparked outrage and accusations of foul play from his allies and supporters.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia, has called on the international community to hold the Russian regime accountable for his death. His close ally, Ivan Zhdanov, has suggested that Navalny may have been murdered, a sentiment echoed by many who oppose Putin’s government.

Navalny’s sudden decline in health occurred shortly after a walk, according to the prison service. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Navalny could not be revived.

In response to Navalny’s death, there have been calls for protests in Russia, although authorities have warned against participating in such demonstrations. Several individuals have already been detained in various cities.

Navalny’s death has drawn condemnation from leaders around the world, with many pointing fingers at Putin’s government for its alleged role in his demise. US President Joe Biden, among others, has held Putin responsible for what he called “proof of Putin’s brutality.”

Navalny’s journey as an opposition figure in Russia has been marked by challenges and dangers, including a poisoning incident in August 2020 with a nerve agent. Despite facing multiple obstacles, Navalny remained determined to challenge Putin’s rule, even as his health deteriorated and he endured harsh conditions in prison.

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Putin challenger Boris Nadezhdin barred from Russia’s election

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Russia’s election commission has rejected Boris Nadezhdin, an anti-war challenger, as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election, citing flaws in the signatures submitted with his candidate application. Despite his efforts to contest the decision, the commission upheld its ruling. Nadezhdin, however, vowed to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

The commission stated that over 9,000 signatures out of the 105,000 submitted by Nadezhdin were invalid, leaving him just short of the required 100,000 valid signatures. Nadezhdin expressed frustration, claiming widespread support and citing polls that positioned him as the second most favored candidate after Putin.

Nevertheless, the commission chairwoman, Ella Pamfilova, declared the decision final, suggesting that Nadezhdin could pursue legal action if he wished. The election is scheduled for March 15-17, with Vladimir Putin expected to secure victory as opposition candidates perceived as Kremlin-friendly dominate the race.

Despite the setback, Nadezhdin remained resolute, asserting that his candidacy was a crucial political decision. He had garnered significant support, amassing over 200,000 signatures nationwide. Nadezhdin, known for his appearances on state-run TV as an anti-war figure, emphasized his commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine and normalizing Russia’s relations with the West.

Although his candidacy initially faced skepticism from some opposition figures, prominent voices like Alexei Navalny and Mikhail Khodorkovsky endorsed Nadezhdin’s campaign. However, pro-Kremlin commentators accused him of being a pawn for “Ukrainian Nazis,” reflecting the divisive nature of his candidacy.

Nadezhdin’s bid for the presidency echoes previous attempts by candidates to run on an anti-war platform, underscoring the prevalent sentiment of opposition to Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Despite being barred from the race, Nadezhdin’s campaign resonated with segments of Russian society, particularly those affected by the conflict.

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‘Send back our husbands’ – Russian women in rare protest

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In a Moscow function room, a group of women, known as The Way Home, publicly criticizes the Russian authorities for keeping their husbands, part of the 300,000 reservists mobilized for the war in Ukraine, away from home. The women, who met through social media, have different views on the war but share the belief that their husbands have fulfilled their military duty and should return.

The women express frustration with the government and its lack of consideration for the soldiers’ well-being. They meet with local councillor Boris Nadezhdin, a rare government critic who has been allowed on national television. Nadezhdin, critical of the military operation, believes the war has damaged Putin’s domestic popularity.

Critics of the war blame the mobilized men, while Kremlin supporters label the women as Western puppets. Russian MP Andrei Kartapolov suggests that calls for demobilization are orchestrated by Russia’s enemies, linking it to World War Two. The women find such comparisons insulting, emphasizing that the current conflict is different.

Maria Andreeva, a member of The Way Home, not only advocates for her family’s return but also aims to prevent further call-ups. The group stages peaceful protests by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Despite their efforts, the women feel a lack of support from society. Antonina, whose partner was drafted, shares her disappointment in the changing perception of her husband among friends. She emphasizes the desire for the return of husbands who did not volunteer for the front line, questioning Putin’s attitude towards citizens who once supported him. The women fear the possibility of a second wave of mobilization, despite Putin’s earlier assurances.

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Putin to stand for fifth term as Russian president

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially announced his candidacy for a fifth term in office during an awards ceremony honoring participants in the 2022 war against Ukraine. The presidential election is slated for March 15-17, 2024, following a constitutional amendment in 2020 that extended the presidential term from four to six years. Given the limited opposition and the tight control Putin exercises over Russian media, his victory is widely perceived as inevitable.

The re-election of the 71-year-old Putin would mark a continuation of his extensive political career, having previously served as president from 2000-2008 and returning to the role in 2012 after a stint as prime minister. This extended period in power surpasses that of any ruler in Russia since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. The constitutional amendment in 2020 effectively canceled out Putin’s previous terms, allowing him a clean slate to run again in 2024. A successful victory would keep him in the presidency until 2030, and if he decides to stand for re-election, potentially until 2036.

Despite facing significant challenges stemming from the invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing standoff with the West, Putin is unlikely to encounter substantial opposition. Genuine opponents have been marginalized, with many either deceased, imprisoned, or in exile. The announcement of the election dates by the Federation Council was swiftly followed by Putin’s declaration, emphasizing the apparent widespread support for his continued leadership.

Putin’s firm grip on power has only strengthened throughout his tenure, and his decision to run again underscores the lack of any significant contenders on the political landscape. The Kremlin’s official spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, noted an “astonishing” number of people expressing a desire for Putin to continue as the leader of Russia. The announcement was made during an informal gathering after a ceremony in the Kremlin where Ukraine war veterans were awarded the Hero of Russia medal, highlighting Putin’s role in the conflict and the political backdrop against which his candidacy is unfolding.

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Jamala: Ukrainian Eurovision winner added to Russia’s wanted list

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Ukrainian Eurovision song contest winner Jamala, whose real name is Susana Jamaladinova, has been added to Russia’s wanted list, according to state media. The accusations against her include spreading fake information about the Russian armed forces, a charge often used by the Kremlin against those critical of Russia’s actions. Jamala, known for openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was placed on the wanted list last month. The independent Russian human rights website Mediazona reported this, and details of the listing became widely known on Monday.

Russian breaking news Telegram channel Shot claimed that Jamala was added to the list for posting alleged “fakes” about atrocities in the Ukrainian town of Bucha in 2022. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the Bucha massacre, despite evidence indicating Russian forces’ involvement. Jamala, currently in Australia after fleeing Ukraine with her family following the invasion, responded to the news by posting a photo of herself in front of the Sydney Opera House with a link to an article about it and a facepalm emoji.

Jamala won Eurovision in 2016 with the song “1944,” inspired by the forced deportation of her people, the Crimean Tatars, by Russia during that year. The song, perceived as addressing Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, caused controversy for allegedly breaking the competition’s rule against overtly political songs. However, organizers allowed it, and it ultimately won, defeating Russia. Jamala, in her 40s, has been vocal about using her music to give a strong voice to her homeland, Crimea, and to counter the historical narratives propagated by the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. She emphasized the importance of revealing the truth through her songs in her latest folk album, Qirim.

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Nerves and patriotism in Moscow after 18 months of war

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Moscow’s atmosphere is heavily influenced by Russia’s imperial history. The imposing Kremlin walls and towers create a sense of insignificance among visitors on Red Square.

A similar feeling arises five miles away at Victory Park, a vast complex of museums and memorials honoring the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. Its centerpiece, a colossal square with a 141.8-meter obelisk, pays tribute to each day of World War Two.

During my visit, the National Day of the Russian Flag is celebrated, marked by the unfolding of a massive tricolor flag, reportedly the nation’s largest. Ringed by Russian soldiers, the flag unfurls to the tune of patriotic music. The museum director’s speech underscores the unifying power of such events.

In the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has actively promoted such patriotic gatherings.

Inside the Victory Museum, an exhibition glorifies the “heroes” of the “special military operation,” likening Russian involvement in Ukraine to the Soviet efforts in WW2.

Andrei Afanasiev, a pro-Kremlin blogger and academic, believes that patriotism gains importance during wartime, asserting that Russia is facing a Western-led conflict that necessitates self-reliance and unity. He maintains that patriotism has surged and that the Russian people are mobilized and united by the war.

Russian state TV portrays “successes” and “progress,” but the actual situation contrasts starkly. A military analyst reveals that the Russian military acknowledges being in a tough spot, having lost territory and with morale low due to their unpreparedness for modern warfare.

The analyst indicates that information about the battlefield situation is distorted as it moves up the chain of command, including to the president.

The overall atmosphere in Moscow exudes apprehension. Recent events, such as Yevgeny Prigozhin’s mutiny and the devaluation of the ruble, contribute to a sense of unease. The city’s skyline is juxtaposed with an anti-aircraft system atop the Russian Defence Ministry, symbolizing the coexistence of beauty and apprehension.

While individuals might not be perturbed by individual occurrences, there’s a prevailing sentiment of concern about the present and fear for the future.

In Gorky Park, a picturesque scene unfolds, with families enjoying the surroundings. Nearby, the Russian Defence Ministry stands, topped by an anti-aircraft system. This contrast doesn’t alarm locals, with some expressing approval for the military stance.

Fear has taken root in Moscow. Opposition activists convene in inconspicuous spaces, with Yulia Galyamina leading the meeting. She laments the frequent arrests of activists but remains committed to her cause. Other activists, using pseudonyms due to fear, underscore the presence of anti-war sentiment in Russia and their dedication to the cause.

Despite the challenges, they believe in humanity’s ultimate triumph and vow to persevere.

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News Trending War

Private Funeral Held for Prigozhin, Leader of Wagner Group, Confirms Press Service

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Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, has been quietly buried in a private ceremony in his hometown of St. Petersburg, according to his press service. The ceremony, held in a restricted format, was conducted in St. Petersburg, allowing those who wanted to pay their respects to visit the Porokhovskoe cemetery. Russian authorities confirmed Prigozhin’s death following genetic analysis of ten bodies recovered from a plane crash near Moscow on August 23. The Kremlin has refuted claims of responsibility for the crash. Speculation had mounted about Prigozhin’s fate since an aborted armed uprising he led in June, leading many to refer to him as a “dead man walking.”

All ten individuals on board the crashed plane, including Prigozhin’s associate Dmitry Utkin, lost their lives in the incident in the Tver region. The Wagner press service communicated the details of Prigozhin’s funeral in a concise statement via Telegram. No additional information was provided. Prigozhin had maintained an air of mystery during his life, often disguising his identity using wigs and fake beards. Even in death, the enigma persists.

Throughout the day in St. Petersburg, rumors circulated about the location of Prigozhin’s final resting place, as no advance notice or official announcement was given regarding the timing and location of the burial. Several cemeteries were speculated upon on social media, but the actual location was different from all of them. Prigozhin’s representatives eventually disclosed that he had been laid to rest at Porokhovskoe Cemetery on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, next to his deceased father. The funeral lacked military honors and reportedly had only a small attendance.

The cemetery was closed to the public for the day, heavily guarded by law enforcement. The perimeter was lined with police, sniffer dogs, anti-drone units, and riot police, indicating the seriousness of the security measures in place. Given that the Wagner mutiny orchestrated by Prigozhin was considered a betrayal by the Kremlin, minimal attention was preferred by Russian authorities.

Cemetery officials cited Prigozhin’s family wishes in confirming the timing of the funeral, which reportedly took place at 16:00 local time on Tuesday. Reports indicated that Prigozhin’s black-yellow-red Wagner flag was displayed at the burial site. Metal detectors were set up at the entrance of the cemetery in anticipation of a potential influx of visitors. The funeral of Valery Chekalov, Prigozhin’s chief deputy who was also on the crashed plane, occurred on the same day at St. Petersburg’s Severnoe Cemetery. Chekalov, 47, was believed to oversee Prigozhin’s non-military business interests, which Western governments assert are used to fund the mercenary group.

Despite Wagner fighters’ pivotal role in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin would not attend Prigozhin’s funeral.

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Repeat Drone Strike Targets Moscow Skyscraper Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

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Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has reported a second drone attack on a skyscraper in the city’s Moskva City complex within two days. Multiple drones were shot down during the overnight incident, but one managed to hit the same tower that was targeted on Sunday. The attack caused damage to the building’s glass facade, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Russia’s defense ministry has attributed the latest attack to Ukraine, although Kyiv has not made any official comments on the matter. The tensions have escalated further, as Russia also claimed that three Ukrainian unmanned boats were destroyed while attempting to attack Russian naval ships in the Black Sea.

The IQ-Quarter Tower 1 building suffered over 150 sq m of destroyed glazing during the drone attack. Additionally, two more Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down by anti-aircraft systems in other parts of the Moscow region, with Russia’s defense ministry claiming to have thwarted a “terrorist attack” from Ukraine.

This incident adds to the growing accusations by Moscow, alleging that Ukraine has been conducting drone strikes on Russian territory in recent months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has not claimed responsibility for specific attacks but has expressed that such actions on Russian territory are seen as an “inevitable, natural, and absolutely fair process.”

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In the wake of these recent incidents, there have been casualties and damages on both sides, further escalating the tensions in the region.

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