Ukrainian officials view the passing of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny as further confirmation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tyrannical regime and assert that Ukraine cannot engage in negotiations with him.
However, there has been a noticeable absence of condolences from Kyiv officials following Navalny’s demise. This reflects the mixed feelings many Ukrainians harbor towards the late Russian dissident. Despite Navalny’s Ukrainian heritage, his contentious remarks occasionally fueled suspicions of nationalist sentiments akin to Putin’s.
Andriy Yermak, head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration, minced no words in his assessment: “Putin epitomizes evil and fears any form of competition. Russian lives hold no value to him. Anyone advocating for negotiations must grasp that he is untrustworthy. The only language he comprehends is strength.”
Echoing this sentiment, senior presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak emphasized, “Cease believing in the possibility of striking deals with Death itself or a tyrant soaked in blood.”
Podolyak asserted that Putin and his allies prioritize not treaties or stability, but rather mass casualties and assassinations, both domestically and abroad.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba underscored the pattern of violent or murky demises among Putin’s critics, including Navalny. Kuleba highlighted the lack of consequences for Putin following such incidents, citing it as a catalyst for further bloodshed.
Kuleba dismissed notions of negotiating with Putin, stating, “It is high time to abandon naiveté. Victory in Ukraine is imperative before engaging Moscow in any meaningful dialogue.”
Despite Navalny’s criticism of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, where he advocated acceptance of the situation, he later vocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Navalny called for the withdrawal of Russian forces and restitution to Ukraine funded by Russia’s oil and gas revenues.
Nevertheless, Navalny’s passing evoked varied reactions in Ukraine. Some social media users symbolically discarded his memory, reflecting the complexity of sentiments towards him.
Yevhen Klopotenko, a Ukrainian celebrity chef involved in humanitarian efforts, depicted Navalny’s legacy with a photo of moldy bread tossed into a trash bin.
President Zelensky seized on Navalny’s demise to condemn Putin’s rule. “Navalny’s demise, like thousands before him, is undoubtedly Putin’s doing,” Zelensky remarked, underscoring the necessity for Putin’s accountability and defeat.
