February 18, 2024
Navalny's killing will “oppress the Russian people,” one Putin critic tells DW
Bill Browder, the British-American-born co-founder of Hermitage Capital Management and a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, spoke to DW at the MSC about the death of Alexei Navalny.
Navalny's allies have confirmed the death of the Russian opposition leader, but say the Russian government refuses to hand over his body.
Browder asserted that “Putin killed Alexei Navalny” and that “the purpose of this murder is to send a message to anyone in Russia who even thinks about Vladimir Putin that if you challenge Vladimir Putin, you will be killed.”
He continued: “And I think this message is a very strong message because Alexei Navalny was a bigger figure than ever before, and I think that seizing the biggest person and overthrowing him will certainly lead to the suppression and suppression of the Russian people, unfortunately.” .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was no coincidence that Navalny's death was announced shortly before the start of the Moscow Security Conference on Friday. Browder said the news of Navalny's death before the event was Putin's way of “effectively attacking the entire world.”
“Even though he was not personally present, with his entourage, at the killing of Alexei Navalny, Putin was at the head of everyone at this conference all weekend long,” Browder said.
When asked about those on the National Security Council who believe there is a way to negotiate with Putin to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Browder dismissed the idea.
“Putin made it clear that there are no negotiations, and that he does not have the ability to reach a settlement and pursue peace,” Browder said. “Putin is a warmonger.”
Browder also said he was concerned about the fate of his close friend, Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
“Alexei Navalny has now been killed, and Vladimir Kara-Murza will likely be next in the region,” Browder said. “We are terrified for his safety and well-being, and one of the main themes of the conference for me here is to work with Western leaders to try to find a way to release Vladimir Cora-Murza so that he is not arrested.” “He will end up dead like Alexei Navalny did.”
Browder, as a critic of Putin, also expressed concerns for his personal safety: “It's a very dangerous place for people like me and anyone who opposes Putin in Russia or anywhere in the world, unfortunately.”
