Jacob Brown
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly agreed with the concept of a prisoner exchange involving the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny and individuals incarcerated in Western countries.
This revelation, made during a statement to NBC News, sheds light on a potential diplomatic maneuver amidst heightened tensions surrounding Navalny’s death while in custody.
President Vladimir Putin’s Statement:
Putin, who seldom mentions Navalny by name, disclosed his concurrence with the proposed exchange during a response to NBC News.
He acknowledged being informed of the idea before Navalny’s demise and indicated his support, albeit with a sad acknowledgment of the tragic outcome. Putin’s comments arrived following his declaration of victory in Russia’s recent elections.
Allegations and Negotiations:
Navalny’s supporters have alleged that the Kremlin orchestrated his death to thwart a prospective prisoner swap that might have secured his release, along with that of two American detainees.
Although sources have confirmed negotiations for such an exchange, including discussions of its terms, no conclusive agreement was reached before Navalny’s passing on February 16 at the age of 47. The Kremlin has been widely blamed for Navalny’s demise.
Stipulations and Responses:
Putin clarified that the proposed swap would have been contingent upon Navalny’s permanent exile from Russia.
Additionally, Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, disclosed that Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, received an offer to return to Russia and visit her husband’s bedside but opted to remain abroad.
