Post by asadul4986 on Feb 20, 2024 2:13:38 GMT -5
Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the fate of Alexei Navalny was the reason for the introduction of European and American sanctions and remained a major focus of disagreement between the Kremlin and Western countries. But after two years of war everything has changed: what consequences could the death of the opponent have for Moscow? Four years ago, Navalny's poisoning ruined Russia's relations with Germany, where the politician was receiving treatment. However, Berlin still wanted to maintain active trade with Russia and continued to buy its gas, despite the occupation of Crimea and the fighting in eastern Ukraine. After meeting Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2021, US President Joe Biden said he had threatened his Russian counterpart with “devastating consequences” if Navalny died in prison. On Friday, Biden gave a short speech in which he paid tribute to the bravery of the Russian opposition leader.
Advertisements “Putin is responsible for Navalny's death ,” Biden said. However, when asked by a reporter whether the promised destructive consequences would occur, the president responded: “That was three years ago. They have already suffered many consequences since then.” Biden and other leaders at the 2023 NATO summit Getty Images The US, the EU and other Costa Rica Mobile Number List allied countries have imposed dozens of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and despite them the war has continued and the Russian economy has not collapsed. With nothing in the arsenal It is now difficult to imagine sanctions more severe than those already imposed because of the war in Ukraine, said Ben Noble, an associate professor of Russian politics at University College London and co-author of a biography of Navalny. The expert predicted harsh pronouncements from European capitals, and perhaps new symbolic sanctions.
It is important for Western countries to make tough statements and at least verbally hold the Kremlin accountable, although that will not bring Navalny back,” he said. There have already been pronouncements of this type: in addition to Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Vladimir Putin must “answer for what he did,” and French President Emmanuel Macron blamed Russian authorities for Navalny's death. One of the yachts seized from Russian oligarchs in a Spanish port Getty Images Not only Russian government entities have been targeted by Western sanctions, but also oligarchs and other individuals close to Putin. More sanctions? Navalny's death in a Russian prison could have significantly affected Moscow's relations with the European Union (EU) in the recent past, but not now, said Alex Clarkson, a specialist in European politics and professor at King's College London. “Five years ago, this could have led the EU to abandon attempts at dialogue and move to tougher sanctions. But all those bridges have already been burned ,” Clarkson said.
Advertisements “Putin is responsible for Navalny's death ,” Biden said. However, when asked by a reporter whether the promised destructive consequences would occur, the president responded: “That was three years ago. They have already suffered many consequences since then.” Biden and other leaders at the 2023 NATO summit Getty Images The US, the EU and other Costa Rica Mobile Number List allied countries have imposed dozens of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and despite them the war has continued and the Russian economy has not collapsed. With nothing in the arsenal It is now difficult to imagine sanctions more severe than those already imposed because of the war in Ukraine, said Ben Noble, an associate professor of Russian politics at University College London and co-author of a biography of Navalny. The expert predicted harsh pronouncements from European capitals, and perhaps new symbolic sanctions.
It is important for Western countries to make tough statements and at least verbally hold the Kremlin accountable, although that will not bring Navalny back,” he said. There have already been pronouncements of this type: in addition to Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that Vladimir Putin must “answer for what he did,” and French President Emmanuel Macron blamed Russian authorities for Navalny's death. One of the yachts seized from Russian oligarchs in a Spanish port Getty Images Not only Russian government entities have been targeted by Western sanctions, but also oligarchs and other individuals close to Putin. More sanctions? Navalny's death in a Russian prison could have significantly affected Moscow's relations with the European Union (EU) in the recent past, but not now, said Alex Clarkson, a specialist in European politics and professor at King's College London. “Five years ago, this could have led the EU to abandon attempts at dialogue and move to tougher sanctions. But all those bridges have already been burned ,” Clarkson said.