Navalny’s death tightens Putin’s totalitarian grip

The rate at which Vladimir Putin’s opponents die in suspicious circumstances means there can be little surprise about the death of his arch-enemy, Alexei Navalny, 47, in the bleak “Polar Wolf” Siberian prison camp high in the Arctic Circle. That must not diminish the international outrage over the untimely demise of a man with immense courage, decency and concern for freedom and human rights who fearlessly stood up to the murderous Russian tyrant, exposing his gross corruption. Anthony Albanese has joined Joe Biden and other world leaders, rightly, in blaming Mr Putin and his cruel Stalinist regime for Mr Navalny’s death. Mr Biden’s reference to “Putin and his thugs” was spot on. The Russian despot, who will ensure that his re-election next month is a fait accompli, had Mr Navalny poisoned, arrested and prosecuted for fabricated crimes, the President said. Mr Biden also recalled his warning to Mr Putin in Geneva in June 2021 that Mr Navalny’s death “would risk devastating consequences for the Russian leader”. It is imperative he makes good on that pledge.

As Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, Mr Navalny’s death delivers a “warning to the world” that must be heeded.

As the second anniversary of Mr Putin’s unprovoked, unlawful attack on Ukraine approaches on Saturday, it is imperative that Mr Navalny’s murder be seen as the latest brutality by a monstrous regime in Moscow that is as unlikely to limit its aggression in Europe as it is to stop killing those who have raised their voices against it.

The sombre mood among leaders at the weekend Munich Security Conference reflected deepening concern about the faltering campaign against Russia in Ukraine. The war has cost hundreds of thousands of soldiers’ and civilians lives, and caused devastation on a scale not seen in Europe since World War II

In a major setback, Kyiv’s forces have been forced to retreat from the key eastern city of Avdiivka, allowing the invading forces their first significant victory in months. Kyiv blames the setback on a lack of ammunition and the US congress’s shameful failure – thanks to Donald Trump’s isolationist Republicans – to approve the dispatch of desperately needed equipment to Ukraine. If any good is to come of Mr Navalny’s death, it will hopefully be that the Republicans come to their senses over the legislation they are blocking that would provide Ukraine with the equipment and Mr Trump’s absurd and damaging warning to NATO countries that fall short on their payments that he would encourage Mr Putin to attack them. Mr Navalny’s death has highlighted why Mr Trump’s statement was so irresponsible.

Unity within NATO has never been more vital. Only the Russian tyrant, as he threatens other European nations – the vulnerable Baltic states and new members Finland and Sweden – will benefit if Mr Trump persists with his attacks on the world’s most vital bulwark against Russian expansionism and a return to the era of Soviet domination. At the weekend, Republican presidential aspirant and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley recalled repeated instances when Mr Trump had praised his “friend” Mr Putin and defended the tyrant’s actions.

Mr Putin’s approach is all over Mr Navalny’s death. Two days before, London’s Sunday Times reported, officers from the FSB, Mr Putin’s top spy agency, visited the Siberian prison. They proceeded to “disconnect and dismantle some of the security cameras and listening devices there”.

Mr Navalny did not have to return to Moscow in January 2021 after being treated in Germany following an attempt to kill him using novichok, a nerve agent, while he was on a domestic flight in Russia, but he did, out of concern for the fate of the Russian people.

The threat posed to global security by Mr Putin and his allies in China, Iran and North Korea must be heeded.