US President Joe Biden expressed his strong belief that the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a direct result of actions taken by Putin and his associates.
Russian officials stated that Navalny felt unwell after a walk at the penal colony in Siberia, eventually losing awareness and passing away, as per to Fox News.
Biden Condemns Alexei Navalny's Death
Navalny, 47, who had previously survived poisoning, is said to have passed away in an Arctic Circle maximum-security prison, according to Russian state media. Biden shared his lack of surprise and outrage regarding Navalny's death, emphasizing that it is a direct result of Putin and his associates' actions.
"We're looking at a whole number of options," Biden declared regarding the US response, emphasizing the need for Congress to approve security funding for Ukraine in the face of what he termed Putin's "vicious onslaught and war crimes."
The Kremlin, however, denied any involvement in Navalny's demise, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
As President Biden mourns Navalny's death, he is concurrently grappling with resistance from the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to approve $60 billion in security funding for Ukraine. This impasse comes amid Putin's ongoing invasion and war in Ukraine, which Biden characterizes as a critical moment with high stakes.
House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, have balked at the foreign aid bill, insisting it include measures related to securing the US-Mexico border.
Biden, visibly frustrated, criticized House Republicans for adjourning for a two-week recess without approving the foreign aid bill, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and its historical consequences. He warned that failure to support Ukraine at this juncture "will never be forgotten," according to USA Today.
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Alexei Navalny's Sudden Death
Navalny's death prompted Biden to commend the late opposition leader for bravely standing up to corruption and violence, even in the face of persecution. The President hailed Navalny's commitment to truth and his unwavering belief in his country, Russia.
Speaker Mike Johnson recognized Navalny's death as an example of Putin's propensity to silence critics but did not promise to schedule a vote on the Ukraine funding package. He identified the worth of using all possible methods to limit Putin's funding of the ongoing conflict.
Former President Donald Trump, who has long admired Putin, chose not to make a direct statement about Navalny's death. Still, he used his social media platform to critique Biden's leadership, linking global suffering and devastation to the current administration.
Meanwhile, Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, issued a stern warning to Putin and his associates, asserting that they would not go unpunished for their actions against her husband and their country. UK security minister Tom Tugendhat echoed accusations against the Kremlin, alleging that Navalny was murdered to silence him.
The circumstances surrounding Navalny's death remain under investigation, as prison authorities state the reason is yet to be established, Independent reported.
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