Russia fatally 'poisoned' Putin critic Navalny with rare toxin, UK says
France 24
by FRANCE24February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia has been accused of fatally poisoning Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, using a rare toxin, according to the UK government. The claim was made following Navalny’s death in 2022, which sparked international outrage and accusations of state-sponsored assassination. The UK’s assertion ties the incident to Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons in similar cases, such as the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal in England.
Navalny, a key figure in Russian opposition movements, had long been a target of government scrutiny and harassment. His death is seen as a significant escalation in the repression of political dissent under Putin’s regime. The UK’s investigation revealed that the toxin used to kill Navalny was highly specific and rare, aligning with Russia’s known capabilities in chemical warfare.
This incident has deepened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly over issues like human rights and democracy. It raises questions about the safety of political dissidents and the global use of chemical weapons as tools of state power. The case also underscores the ongoing challenges of holding authoritarian regimes accountable for such actions, highlighting the need for international cooperation to address these concerns.
The poisoning of Navalny is not just a tragic loss for his family and supporters but also a broader concern for those interested in global security and justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some governments may go to silence critics, with far-reaching implications for international relations and human rights.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/14/2026