Putin, Abramovich discuss Navalny swap before critic's death

On February 16, Russian authorities confirmed the sudden demise of Navalny. As President Vladimir Putin's most prominent opponent, his death in a remote Arctic Circle camp where he was serving a 19-year sentence sent shockwaves through the international community.

Recent reports suggest that Putin convened with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to deliberate Navalny's situation shortly before his death. It is believed that the discussions revolved around a proposed prisoner swap involving Navalny.

The meeting occurred approximately four hours prior to the prison authorities releasing the initial report of the opposition leader's death.

In what was seemingly a gesture of compliance, Germany was expected to release Vadim Krasikov, a former FSB agent convicted of assassinating a former Chechen commander and Georgian citizen, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, in Berlin in 2019. The planned exchange was rumored to include several other individuals, according to the Russian investigative portal.

Journalist Christo Grozev, privy to details of the thwarted deal, was informed by sources close to Putin that the Russian leader had accepted the West's proposal.

On March 1, a memorial service for Alexei Navalny was held in Moscow. Russian authorities restricted public access, preventing thousands from paying their last respects to the opposition figure. Nevertheless, large crowds outside chanted Navalny's name and slogans like "We are not afraid" and "Russia will be free," as his coffin, covered in flowers, made its way to the cemetery.

Source: Agentstvo