Alexei Navalny death: All the world leaders who slammed Putin after his biggest critic dies in prison

7 world leaders who lashed out at Russian President Vladimir Putin after jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's death

Outraged foreign leaders condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin after the outspoken Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny died on Friday, February 16, after falling ill while out on a stroll at the "Polar Wolf" prison colony where he was detained, according to the country's officials. After appearing upbeat and in high spirits at a video court session on Thursday, the 47-year-old died at the remote Arctic jail, sparking rumors that he was "assassinated" by the state. His death has sparked protests around the world, with hundreds converging to pay tribute to Navalny and deem Putin a "killer," as per Daily Mail. Authorities from the Kremlin have insisted on conducting an investigation into the death of the political prisoner, however, international leaders rejected the assertion, placing the full responsibility of Navalny's death behind bars squarely on Putin. Here are seven such world leaders who came out condemning the death of Navalny.

1. US President Joe Biden slammed the 'corrupt and violent' government of Vladimir Putin

President Joe Biden said in an impassioned statement from the White House, "Make no mistake, Putin is responsible for Navalny's death." He added, "Even in prison he was a powerful voice for the truth." The 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief said that Navalny "could have lived safely in exile," but instead returned to Russia to "continue his work," despite knowing he could be imprisoned or killed "because he believed so deeply in his country, in Russia." Biden commended Navalny's bravery in standing up to the "corruption" and "violence" of Putin's government. The POTUS further remarked, "In response, Putin had him poisoned, he had him arrested, he had him prosecuted for fabricated crimes, he sends him to prison, he's held in isolation, even all that didn't stop him from calling out Putin's lies." Biden had earlier warned Russia of the consequences if Navalny died in prison, and he has since indicated that he "is looking into a whole number of options" in response to his death.

2. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said Vladimir Putin must lose everything for 'killing' Alexei Navalny

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been fighting off Russian forces for the past two years in a bitter and bloody war, declared that "it is obvious" that the Kremlin dissident had been "killed by Putin." He asserted, "Putin doesn't care who dies - only for him to hold his position. This is why he must hold onto nothing. Putin must lose everything and be held responsible for his deeds."

3. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent his condolences to Alexei Navalny's family

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid his respects to the "fiercest advocate for Russian democracy," describing the late Navalny as a prominent and persistent adversary of Putin who had "demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life." He further stated, "This is terrible news. [...] My thoughts are with his wife and the people of Russia, for whom this is a huge tragedy."

4. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau compared Vladimir Putin to a 'monster' following Alexei Navalny's death

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau termed Navalny's death as "tragic and horrifying," adding that "Canada remains committed to holding Putin responsible for his actions." In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Trudeau wrote, "Alexei Navalny fought for democracy, for freedom, and for the Russian people. For that, he lost his life. We must stand united against Putin’s actions. And we must continue to defend democracy – together." He attached a bit from his statement to the CBC where Trudeau can be heard saying, "It really shows the extent to which Putin... will crack down on anyone who is fighting for freedom for the Russian people. And it's something that has the entire world being reminded of exactly what a monster Putin is."

5. President of France Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the memory of Alexei Navalny and his courage

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), that in today's Russia "free spirits are sent to the Gulag and condemned to death." He added, "I pay tribute to the memory of Alexei Navalny, his dedication, his courage. My thoughts go out to his family, loved ones and to the Russian people." 

6. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Alexei Navalny's death reveals the truth of the Russian 'regime'

Germany's Head of Government, Olaf Scholz, lauded the Kremlin critic's defiance, saying Navalny's death demonstrates "what kind of regime this is." "He has probably now paid for this courage with his life," remarked Scholz.

7. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen embraced Alexei Navalny's wife in her time of mourning

In her statement, the European Commission's current president, Ursula von der Leyen, said Navalny had been "slowly murdered by President Putin and his regime, who fear nothing more than dissent from their own people." On X (formerly Twitter), she posted a video of herself hugging Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, with the caption, "Dear Yuliya, you and your family have bravely supported Alexei Navalny in his cause for so many years. Today, we also bow our heads to the entire family."