Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say
Sydney Morning Herald
by Jill LawlessFebruary 14, 2026
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Russia is accused of poisoning opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a rare neurotoxin derived from poison dart frogs, according to findings from five European nations. The UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands analyzed samples from Navalny’s body and identified the presence of epibatidine, a highly potent toxin not naturally occurring in Russia. These countries concluded that Russia had both the means and motive to administer the poison, linking it directly to the Kremlin. They have also reported this breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Navalny, a prominent anti-corruption activist and Putin’s fiercest opponent, died in 2024 while serving a politically motivated 19-year sentence. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has consistently blamed Putin for his death, asserting that her husband was poisoned long before he passed away. European officials expressed high confidence in their findings, emphasizing that the process to identify the toxin was complex but conclusive. They pointed to Russia’s history of targeting political dissidents, including the 2018 Salisbury attack with the Novichok nerve agent, as evidence of a pattern of behavior.
The poisoning highlights the broader implications for global security and the use of chemical weapons. European leaders have condemned Russia’s actions, accusing it of using biological tools to silence opposition. Navalny’s case has drawn international attention due to his role in challenging Putin’s regime and the transparency with which his widow has shared details about his death. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Western nations over human rights and chemical weapon use.
This incident matters because it raises concerns about the Kremlin’s willingness to use lethal methods against its own citizens. Navalny’s poisoning not only reflects on Russia’s internal affairs but also challenges international norms against chemical weapons. As global leaders grapple with how to hold Russia accountable, the case has become a focal point for discussions on justice and security.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/14/2026