Putin Mentions 'Navalny Death' for the First Time: "A Sad Matter... Had Agreed to Prisoner Exchange"

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has secured a fifth term, spoke for the first time about the death of his 'political opponent,' anti-government activist Alexei Navalny.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to The New York Times (NYT) and others, on the night of the 17th (local time), the final day of the presidential election, Putin met with reporters at his campaign headquarters set up in Moscow's Gostiny Dvor and stated, "He has passed away. It is a sad matter." This marks the first time President Putin has officially commented on Navalny's sudden death in custody.

Navalny, regarded as Putin's greatest political rival, died suddenly on the 16th of last month while serving time in a Siberian prison. This sparked suspicions, especially in the West, that Putin might be behind it. In response, Putin said, "There have been cases of people dying in correctional facilities," and countered, "Hasn't this happened in the United States as well?"

On this day, President Putin referred to Navalny as "Mr. Navalny" and acknowledged the claim by Navalny's close aide Maria Pevchikh that Navalny could have been released shortly before his death through a prisoner exchange. He said, "A few days before Mr. Navalny passed away, colleagues who were not government officials told me that there was an idea to exchange Mr. Navalny with people in Western countries' prisons," and "I agreed." It is considered highly unusual that Putin, who had previously referred to Navalny as "that person" or "the blogger," directly mentioned Navalny's name this time.

Furthermore, President Putin dismissed the protests called for by Navalny supporters on the 17th at noon to express opposition to Putin during the election, saying, "They had no effect." However, he added, "I commend those who called for voting." In response to a question from the U.S. NBC network about whether Russia is a democratic country, he mentioned legal lawsuits against former President Donald Trump and retorted, "It is ridiculous. It is a global embarrassment not only for the United States but also for the so-called democratic system."

Known as the 'modern-day Tsar,' President Putin has effectively secured a fifth term with overwhelming support in the Russian presidential election held from the 15th to this day. According to the Russian Public Opinion Research Center VTsIOM, exit polls showed Putin's vote share at 87%. The Russian Central Election Commission also announced that with 80% of the votes counted, Putin's vote share was in the 87% range. With this election victory, President Putin will extend his rule until 2030.

President Putin expressed gratitude not only to the citizens who participated in the vote but also to the soldiers fighting in the Ukraine war (special military operation). He emphasized, "Russia must be stronger and more efficient," and "It is impossible to suppress the will of the Russian people from outside."

Regarding France's proposal for a truce during this year's Paris Olympics, President Putin said, "We are ready to engage in dialogue, but the interests of Russia on the front lines must be considered." He also showcased the close ties between China and Russia by stating, "The relationship between China and Russia is sustainable," and "Sanctions against China will fail."