Negotiations for the release of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny in a prisoner exchange were reportedly close to completion just before his unexpected death. According to Maria Pevchik, a top aide to Navalny, talks were underway to exchange Navalny and two American citizens for a Russian hitman, Vadim Krasikov, serving a life sentence in Germany for an assassination. Pevchik claimed that Navalny was supposed to be freed in the coming days as negotiations had reached their final stage by February 15. Navalny was reported dead on February 16 in an Arctic prison.
However, CNN could not independently verify Pevchik’s claims, and the German government declined to comment on the video. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated he had no knowledge of such an agreement. A Western official disclosed that while discussions regarding a prisoner swap involving Navalny and US citizens had taken place, no formal offer had been made before Navalny’s death.
The State Department refrained from commenting on potential prisoner swap reports, and spokesperson Matthew Miller neither confirmed nor denied if the deal would have included the two Americans designated as wrongly detained in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin had recently signaled interest in a prisoner exchange involving Krasikov and a Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich. Putin’s remarks hinted at the possibility of reaching an agreement, emphasizing patriotic reasons for Krasikov’s actions.
Maria Pevchik alleged that Putin’s hatred for Navalny led to the collapse of the potential prisoner swap deal. She accused Putin of preferring Navalny’s demise over his release, stating that Putin “acted to his own detriment and against his own rational interests.” The Kremlin, however, denied any involvement in Navalny’s death.
Russian authorities claimed Navalny fell ill and lost consciousness shortly after a walk in the prison camp. Navalny’s mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya, signed his medical death certificate, citing natural causes. Pevchik criticized Western officials for lacking the political will to secure Navalny’s exchange despite years of efforts by his team.
Navalny’s death comes amidst international scrutiny over Russia’s presidential election, scheduled for March 15-17. The election is widely perceived as a formality ensuring Putin’s extended rule until at least 2030. Navalny’s body was returned to his mother after more than a week of delays, with Navalnaya alleging Russian authorities attempted to blackmail her regarding the burial conditions.
Kira Yarmysh, Navalny’s spokesperson, announced plans for a public farewell to be held at the end of the week, as Navalny’s team continues to seek justice and transparency surrounding his untimely demise.
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