Alexey Navalny, a prominent critic of President Putin, discusses the risks involved in being an opposition leader in Russia. They talk about their experience with the opposition movement, the complex issue of Crimea and international law, their determination to challenge Putin, and their unwavering commitment to their cause despite adversity.
Navalny was motivated to join the opposition movement in Russia due to the country's shift away from democracy under Putin's rule.
Navalny highlighted the need for a more consistent foreign policy approach to Russia and questioned the favorable perception of Putin by international figures such as Donald Trump.
Deep dives
Navalny's Motivation for Opposing Putin
In an interview with the BBC World Service, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny discussed his motivation for opposing Vladimir Putin and his regime. Navalny explained that when Putin came to power, he realized Russia was moving away from democracy and felt compelled to join the opposition movement. Despite facing legal challenges and an attempted assassination with Novichok nerve agent, Navalny remains committed to challenging Putin and seeking change in Russia.
International Relationships and Views on Putin
Navalny expressed his disappointment and confusion regarding international views on Putin, particularly regarding Donald Trump's positive statements about Putin. Navalny highlighted the stark differences in their political views and questioned why they seemed to have a favorable perception of each other. Additionally, Navalny criticized the inconsistent foreign policies of various administrations, highlighting the need for a more consistent approach to Russia.
Navalny's Fight Against Corruption and Putin's Regime
Navalny has long focused on exposing and fighting against corruption within Putin's regime. He emphasized that corruption in Russia has only gotten worse over time, with Putin's close circle of friends and oligarchs benefiting while the majority of Russians struggle with poverty and inequality. Despite facing constant persecution, including arrests and convictions, Navalny remains determined to challenge Putin in the upcoming presidential elections and believes in the power of people's support to bring about change.
Russian authorities have announced the death of one of the country’s most significant opposition leaders Alexey Navalny in a remote penal colony in the Arctic Circle. Stephen Sackur spoke to him in Moscow in 2017 about the risks involved in being a prominent critic of President Putin.
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