Two years ago, Yulia Navalny made a sorrowful announcement in Munich about the death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, which was attributed to the Russian state. Today, we have uncovered the harsh and savage circumstances surrounding Alexei Navalny’s demise in a Russian prison. Laboratory tests have revealed the presence of a lethal toxin, epibatidine, typically found in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs, in Navalny’s body, indicating a probable cause of death.
The Russian government had the capability, motive, and opportunity to use this deadly toxin against Navalny while he was incarcerated. Alongside other nations that have conducted investigations, we hold Russia accountable for his tragic death.
This incident is just one aspect of a larger pattern of malicious activities that pose an increasing threat to European security and extend to British territories. Russia’s aggressive behavior ranges from attacking innocent civilians in Ukraine to spreading hybrid threats throughout Europe and beyond.
Following the Cold War era, expectations of peace and cooperation between the UK and Russia have been shattered. Instead, we must now prepare to address Russian aggression, including hybrid threats, cyber assaults, sabotage, widespread disinformation campaigns, and efforts to undermine democratic processes.
The UK is taking a firm stance against Russia’s covert actions. Prosecutions under the National Security Act have exposed and deterred individuals with Russian affiliations. Sanctions have been imposed on GRU, Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency, significantly reducing Russia’s intelligence presence in Europe. Efforts are also underway to disrupt Russia’s financial support for the war in Ukraine by targeting their shadow fleet vessels.
Unity among nations is our most potent weapon. Collaborations with international partners, including through NATO, enhance our domestic strength. At the Munich Security Conference, I have been working with allies to coordinate a unified response to Russian aggression, in alignment with the Prime Minister’s directives. Russia aims to divide us, but their actions only serve to strengthen our resolve.
