Allegations Arise Claiming Navalny’s Death Was to Thwart Exchange with a Russian Convict – Sky Bulletin

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An associate of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, has alleged that Navalny was killed in custody to impede a potential trade involving Vadim Krasikov—a Russian hitman serving a life sentence in Germany. Maria Pevchikh, who chairs the Anti-Corruption Foundation, expressed these claims on February 26.
The demise of Navalny on February 16 in a penal colony in Kharp, within the Yamal Nenets Autonomous District, has cast a spotlight on Putin’s regime and its suppressive tactics against political adversaries. His passing sparked international outcry, with accusations mounting against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The exact cause of Navalny’s death, either due to prison conditions or deliberate assassination, remains a subject of speculation.
Bild, a German newspaper, brought to light on February 18 claims that discussions concerning an exchange including Navalny and Krasikov had been underway among German, U.S., and Russian authorities.
As Pevchikh relayed in a video on Navalny’s YouTube channel, she had been informed that these discussions were in advanced stages a day before Navalny’s passing was announced.
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Pevchikh mentioned a scenario where Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich purportedly played a go-between role, suggesting to Putin that the release of Navalny was essential for Krasikov’s repatriation. With the West considering the trade-off of the hitman, Pevchikh alleges Putin chose to eliminate Navalny, considering alternative exchange possibilities for Krasikov, including two Americans.
Pevchikh disclosed these allegations without providing solid evidence to support her claim.
Having been implicated in the 2019 Berlin assassination of a Chechen-Georgian dissident Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, Krasikov has been incarcerated since 2021. Investigation reports have implied connections between Krasikov and Russian intelligence.
The possibility of such prisoner trade was previously mentioned by The Wall Street Journal in September 2023. Unidentified Western officials were sources claiming Russia’s intent to trade Krasikov with the potential inclusion of Navalny in the exchange.
In a conversation with Tucker Carlson on February 8, Putin hinted that the U.S. could negotiate with allies to swap Krasikov for Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich.
Sanctions by the US against Putin are in the offing following Navalny’s death, says Biden
Joe Biden, the U.S. President, on February 22 announced impending sanctions targeting the Russian leader as a response to Alexei Navalny’s death.

FAQ Section:
Q: Who was Alexei Navalny?
A: Alexei Navalny was a prominent Russian opposition leader and an adversary of President Vladimir Putin, known for his anti-corruption efforts.
Q: What allegations have been made regarding Navalny’s death?
A: It was alleged by Maria Pevchikh that Navalny was intentionally killed in prison to hinder a potential prisoner exchange between him and a Russian hitman named Vadim Krasikov.
Q: Who is Vadim Krasikov?
A: Vadim Krasikov is a convicted Russian hitman, serving a life sentence in Germany for the murder of a Chechen-Georgian dissident in 2019.
Q: Has there been any response from the Russian government to these allegations?
A: There has been no official response from the Russian government concerning these specific allegations made by Pevchikh regarding Navalny’s death to prevent a prisoner swap.
Conclusion Section:
The convolution surrounding the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny continues to stir controversy and geopolitical tensions. Allegations of his death being a calculated move to defend state interests, block prisoner exchanges, and suppress political dissent offer a glimpse into the murky world of international diplomacy and espionage. The gravity of these claims underscores the ongoing struggle for truth and accountability within Russia’s political landscape. Independent journalism remains crucial in shedding light on these issues, and continued scrutiny and insistence on transparency are essential in the face of state-sponsored suppression.
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