Donald Trump has broken his silence on the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, but avoided blaming President Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Trumpwhich attracted criticism for Praising the Russian ruler During his presidency, he spoke out in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
The former US president wrote on Monday: “Sudden death Alexei Navalny It has made me more aware of what is happening in our country.
“It is slow and steady progress, as radical left politicians, prosecutors, and judges lead us down a path of destruction. Open borders, rigged elections, and grossly unfair court decisions are destroying America.”
He added: “We are a nation in decline, a failed nation! MAGA2024.”
Latest updates: Navalny's family told his body will be held for two weeks
However, his statement was criticized by his political opponents, including fellow Republicans who are hoping to win the presidency. Nikki Haley.
“Donald Trump could have denounced Vladimir Putin for being a murderous thug,” she wrote on X. “Trump could have praised Navalny for his courage.”
“Instead, he stole a page from the liberal playbook, condemning America and comparing our country to Russia.”
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The life and death of Alexei Navalny
He comes after Mr. Navalny He died on Friday While he was serving a 19-year prison sentence on charges his supporters said were politically motivated.
Many world leaders, including the American President Joe BidenThe blame was pointed squarely at Putin, while Navalny's wife said she believed he was Poisoned on orders of the Russian president.
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The Russian government rejected allegations of involvement in his death, and the Kremlin criticized the reaction in the West as “unacceptable” and “extremely frenzied.”
Read more:
What we know so far about the death of Putin critic
CCTV appears to show Navalny's body being transported
Dozens lay flowers in Moscow despite the risk of arrest
He was speaking at the White House on Friday. Mr. Biden said“The Russian authorities will tell their own story.
“But make no mistake. Make no mistake. Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death.
He added: “We do not know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that Navalny's death was the result of something that Putin and his thugs did.”
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Joe Biden said he was “not surprised or angry” by news of Navalny's death
Canadian leader Justin Trudeau He also said his death was a reminder “exactly what a monster Putin is.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Leader of the Labor Opposition Sir Keir Starmer They did not mention the Russian president when they issued their initial reactions to Mr. Navalny's death last week.
In similar statements posted on social media, the two men described what happened as “terrible news,” praised Navalny’s “courage” and sent their condolences to his family.
Britain Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron He also said on Friday: “Putin should be like that [held] “He is responsible for what happened, and no one should doubt the horrific nature of his regime.”
