UK wants action taken on Russia after Navalny frog poisoning, Cooper says

BBC World

February 15, 2026

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The UK is calling for action against Russia following evidence that the Russian government was responsible for the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned with a rare toxin in a Siberian prison. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that this act breaches international chemical weapons rules and urged coordinated responses, including potential sanctions on Russia. Cooper, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, highlighted the need for European allies to unite in addressing Russian aggression, which includes the use of lethal toxins against its own citizens. Navalny’s death, confirmed by European labs using samples from his body, was caused by a substance derived from Ecuadorian dart frogs, further linking it to the Russian regime. Navalny, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, had been detained on trumped-up charges before his sudden death in 2020. Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement, labeling the claims as “necro-propaganda.” Cooper stressed that this incident reflects a broader pattern of Russian aggression and warned that such actions could continue to threaten European security. She called for accountability through international bodies like the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) while advocating for continued pressure on Russia, particularly in response to its ongoing aggression in Ukraine. The UK’s stance aligns with efforts to counter Russian influence, especially as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches. Cooper emphasized the importance of building strong international partnerships to maintain pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, other conservative figures, like shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel, have also called for stronger actions against Russia, citing concerns that existing sanctions are being circumvented. This issue matters globally as it underscores the risks of state-sponsored toxins and their implications for international security and human rights. Navalny’s poisoning highlights Russia’s willingness to use extreme measures against dissenters, raising concerns about the broader implications for global stability. The UK and its allies aim to send a clear message that

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Originally published on BBC World on 2/15/2026