Russia’s Alexey Navalny killed by dart frog poison, European nations allege
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Five European countries—United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and Netherlands—have accused Russia of poisoning opposition leader Alexey Navalny using a deadly toxin, epibatidine, found in South American dart frogs. The five nations issued a joint statement during the Munich Security Conference, asserting that conclusive lab results confirm the lethal substance in Navalny’s body. They claim Russia had both the means and motive to administer the poison, which causes respiratory failure, convulsions, and heart issues leading to death.
Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was serving a 19-year prison sentence when he died in February 2024. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has long accused the Kremlin of orchestrating his death. European leaders have condemned Russia’s actions, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating that Putin’s willingness to use biological weapons underscores his desire to maintain power.
The five countries are now referring the case to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for potential violations of the Chemical Weapons Convention. While Russian officials deny involvement, they have criticized what they describe as Western attempts to distract from their own issues.
Navalny had previously survived a 2020 poisoning with a nerve agent he linked to the Kremlin. His death has sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about political repression and the use of chemical weapons in global conflicts. The case highlights tensions between Russia and Western nations over human rights and accountability, making it a critical issue for those following global politics and international relations.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026