U.S. intel doubts Putin ordered Navalny's murder. A new perspective

American intelligence agencies believe that Vladimir Putin probably did not order the murder of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle in February - as reported by the "Wall Street Journal", which was quoted by the Politico website.

The "WSJ" reported, citing individuals familiar with the matter, that several American agencies – including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the State Department's intelligence unit – concur that Putin likely did not direct the killing of Navalny in mid-February.

This assessment is "based on a range of information, including some classified intelligence, and an analysis of public facts, including the timing of his death and how it overshadowed Putin’s re-election," – "WSJ" clarified. Navalny passed away a month before the so-called presidential elections in Russia, which were held from March 15 to 17.

The US intelligence agencies have communicated their findings with their counterparts in some European countries, yet some European security officials remain sceptical. As noted by the newspaper, they highlight the extensive reach of Putin’s influence over Russia and its special services.

The article also mentioned that Navalny’s associate, Leonid Volkov, expressed his disbelief regarding the possibility that Putin was unaware or did not approve of Navalny’s assassination, labeling such thoughts as absurd.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, overseeing the American intelligence agencies, has not provided any comments.

Vladimir Putin has denied any involvement in Navalny's death. In March, he mentioned that, a few days before the opposition leader's demise, he had agreed to an exchange involving Navalny for Russian citizens held in the US.