Former Knesset member, researcher and Middle East affairs expert Ksenia Svetlova recently sat down for an interview with ‘Maariv’, where she discussed the death of Alexei Navalny, the most prominent opposition figure to the Russian President Vladimir Putin.
When asked, “what actually transpired?”, Svetlova responded, “This is the same regime that has previously attempted to erase him from the picture, nearly succeeding after the poisoning incident in 2020. As for the cause of death, it remains unknown and will likely remain so. In some extreme manner, or due to the unbearable and relentless torture during his three-year imprisonment. In one way or another, the Russian regime is implicated in his death.”
In response to the question, “what made him a symbol that led to the regime marking him until this tragic end?”, Svetlova explained, “He was the opposition’s number one figure. He was the only one who truly endeavored to challenge Putin, causing him discomfort and embarrassment through his corruption investigations. Putin’s disdain and aversion for him was evident.”
She continued, “Not once did he mention him by name after the notorious poisoning incident in 2020. When this episode was brought up, he simply referred to him as ‘this patient’, stating that if our security forces had wanted to eliminate him, they would have succeeded.”
“Now, these words have a new meaning. For Putin and the regime, even from within the prison walls, Navalny posed a clear threat to their corrupt and dangerous regime. He continued to communicate with his supporter base through letters sent via his lawyer, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming presidential elections on March 17.”
When asked, “how was the coverage carried out, if at all, in the official Russian media?”, Svetlova detailed, “This event, despite being a significant and dramatic incident that drew attention from world leaders, the entire Russian opposition, and the Russian public on social media, received only minimal attention in the federal media. It was mentioned briefly for less than half a minute that day, and the following day. The authorities went to great lengths to suppress the news and prevent public gatherings.”
“In the past two days alone, approximately 400 citizens have been arrested. Nevertheless, people continue to bring flowers to various memorials in memory of the victims of Stalinist terror, drawing parallels between it and Putin’s regime.”
On the question of, “is there anyone who could step into his shoes, transitioning from a blogger and public influencer to the most prominent opposition leader, as he did?”, Svetlova said, “There are many opposition figures outside of Russia, as well as supporters of Navalny, but a figure like him, who combined charisma, overwhelming personality, and true leadership, is hard to come by. Filling this void will not be easy.”
“Furthermore, there are at least two other opposition leaders currently in Russian prisons, one sentenced to 25 years of hard labor and the other to nine years. These are prominent figures in Russia, though less known in the West. Given the recency of Navalny’s death, it appears there is no clear consensus yet on who will step up to replace him.”
