The death of Alexei Navalny on February 16 has ignited international debate, with his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, vowing to persist in the struggle for a “free Russia.” Speaking at the Council of European Foreign Ministers in Brussels on February 19, Navalnaya, alongside Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, reiterated her determination to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Accusing Putin of her husband’s demise in an Arctic prison earlier this month, Navalnaya declared her intent to seek justice, stating, “I want them to know that they will be punished for what they have done with our country, with my family, and with my husband.”
Yulia Navalnaya (Credits: Reuters)
Widely recognized as a prominent figure within the Russian opposition, Navalnaya, often referred to as the “First Lady” of the movement by Russian media, emphasized her commitment to carrying forward her late husband’s mission. In a nine-minute video shared on YouTube, she expressed her aspiration for a liberated Russia, pledging to unveil the identities of Navalny’s alleged perpetrators and calling for solidarity among supporters. “I ask you to share the rage with me. Rage, anger, hatred towards those who dared to kill our future,” she implored.
The aftermath of Navalny’s death has seen a surge in protests across Russia, resulting in the detention of over 400 individuals over the weekend. Despite Kremlin denials of involvement in Navalny’s demise, the determination of Navalnaya and her supporters remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice and a democratic future for Russia.
