Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a rare neurotoxin linked to poison dart frogs, according to five European countries. The UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands confirmed that tests on samples from Navalny’s body identified epibatidine, a highly potent toxin found in South American dart frogs and not naturally occurring in Russia. This finding strongly suggests state-sponsored poisoning, as such toxins are typically used in sophisticated acts of political repression.
Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was initially hospitalized after falling ill on August 20, 2020. His condition raised international concerns, with many suspecting foul play given his history of遭遇政治迫害和中毒事件。The identification of epibatidine, which is not naturally present in Russia and requires specialized knowledge to produce, further implicates the Russian government. This toxin, known for its rapid-acting and lethal effects on the nervous system, reinforces claims that Navalny’s poisoning was a targeted assassination attempt.
This incident has significant implications for global politics and human rights. It highlights the lengths to which authoritarian regimes may go to silence dissenters and underscores the dangers of political opposition in Russia. The involvement of a rare and exotic toxin also raises questions about the availability of such substances and their potential use in state-sponsored operations. For readers interested in international affairs, this case sheds light on the fragile state of democracy, the risks faced by activists, and the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in holding powerful governments accountable for such acts
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026