Washington, DC — Today, Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the death of Russian opposition leader and democracy activist Alexei Navalny:  

“I am heartbroken by the news that Alexei Navalny, the courageous democracy activist and opposition leader who dedicated his life to fighting for a free and democratic future for the Russian people, has now paid the ultimate sacrifice for that mission. I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Yulia, and his children for this devastating loss.  

“Make no mistake—Alexei Navalny’s death is on Putin’s hands. Even after Putin’s regime failed to kill him in 2020 and locked him away, Alexei and the brave Russians who dared to stand with him would not be silenced. Despite Putin’s best efforts, this murder will not silence them now.  

“It is our moral obligation to continue standing for democracy and supporting the efforts of Russians like Alexei and Vladimir Kara-Murza, who still languishes in Russian prison after surviving multiple attempted assassinations himself, as they risk their freedom and their lives for a democratic Russian future. We must continue to stand with the Ukrainian people as they fight every day against Russia’s brutality for their right to exist, which is why I continue to call on Speaker Johnson to end the political games and pass the urgently needed supplemental.  

“The U.S. must use all the tools we have to hold Putin, his regime, and all those who have played a part in Alexei Navalny’s death accountable.” 

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