U.S. intelligence agencies believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not directly order the killing of Alexei Navalny at a remote penal colony, but the circumstances of Navalny's death remain unclear. Putin is still seen as ultimately responsible for Navalny's fate. Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, died in prison at the age of 47 after being poisoned in 2020 with a military nerve agent, Novichok.
Key Points
U.S. intelligence agencies believe Putin did not directly order Navalny's killing
Navalny was poisoned with Novichok in 2020, and his death in prison has raised suspicions
Pros
U.S. intelligence agencies provided insights into Navalny's death
The assessment does not absolve Putin of ultimate responsibility for Navalny's fate
Cons
The exact circumstances of Navalny's death remain unclear