US National Security Advisor: "If Navalny Dies, Russia Will Pay a Price"

(Source: AP)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Jake Sullivan, the U.S. White House National Security Advisor, warned that the Russian government would pay a price if opposition activist Alexei Navalny dies.

In an interview with CNN on the 18th (local time), Sullivan said regarding Navalny, "We have told the Russian government that they are responsible for what happens to Navalny while in custody, and the international community will hold them accountable."

He added, "We are looking at various specific measures to take, and although I will not disclose them publicly now, we have told the Russian government that there will be consequences if Navalny dies."

Navalny, considered the biggest rival to Russian President Vladimir Putin, showed symptoms of poisoning last August and was treated in Germany before returning to Russia in January this year, where he was arrested.

Navalny, currently imprisoned, has been on a hunger strike since the end of last month, and his health has reportedly deteriorated rapidly. Navalny's personal doctor stated that he is in a critical condition that could lead to immediate death.

Navalny's personal physician, Yaroslav Ashikomin, expressed concerns in a Facebook post, saying, "Navalny is in a condition where he could die at any moment," warning that his potassium levels are high and acute kidney failure symptoms, including heart failure, could occur at any time.

When asked whether President Joe Biden would meet with President Vladimir Putin even if Navalny dies in custody, Sullivan avoided a direct answer.

He replied, "No meeting is currently scheduled. It is under discussion, but it should be held as a way to advance relations under the right circumstances."

President Biden recently proposed holding a meeting in a third country within a few months during a phone call with President Putin.

Two days after Biden's summit proposal, on the 15th (local time), the U.S. imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, including expelling 10 diplomats over allegations of interference in the U.S. election and hacking federal agencies.

The sanctions list included 16 Russian institutions and 16 individuals accused of spreading false information and interfering in last year's U.S. election, and 10 Russian officials working in Washington under diplomatic status, including intelligence agents, were expelled.

Additionally, economic sanctions were imposed to prevent the purchase of new bonds issued by the Russian Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, and Sovereign Wealth Fund starting June 14.

After this announcement, President Biden reiterated his willingness for a summit, saying, "Now is the time to ease tensions," and proposed dialogue.