In an interview with the Nastoyashki Vremya website (affiliated with the independent Svoboda Radio), Khodorkovsky said that many commentators believe that Vladimir Putin fears finding traces of poison in Navalny's body.
Khodorkovsky: This is the danger for Putin
He added: “However, I think that the most serious risk for Putin, and the least predictable, is the problem of Alexei Navalny's funeral during the election campaign. In this case, no one would predict how the funeral might end.” Khodorkovsky said.
He said it was possible that the funeral would be “quiet and peaceful” and that there would be “huge clashes” in Moscow.
look: The Russians have given Alexei Navalny's mother an ultimatum. They gave her three hours to decide
Khodorkovsky, who spent 10 years in prison in Russia, had previously said shortly after Navalny's death that he considered it a murder committed before the presidential elections scheduled for March 17. He noted in an interview on Friday that Navalny was a “very effective activist and political leader.”
On the other hand, the Kremlin has recently learned that even little-known figures or figures loyal to the authorities who have demonstrated electoral ambitions arouse keen interest among Russians. As examples, Khodorkovsky gave the previously unknown Councilwoman Ekaterina Dontsova and politician Boris Nadezhdin, who were excluded from the electoral race by the Central Election Commission.
look: Witold Jurasz: Alexei Navalny was neither an agent nor an impeccable horseman
Did Putin send a signal to the West?
Khodorkovsky confirmed that Navalny's death occurred on February 16 of this year. Coinciding with the Munich Security Conference. It is very likely that this is a signal from Putin, who – according to Khodorkovsky – wants to say to the West: “You are weak, you need to realize that and the fact that you cannot do anything with me – and come to terms.” With it.” “.
“The West’s weakness softens Putin’s hands. If the West does not show its strength, it softens its hands. This is what it shows in Ukraine, whether by killing political prisoners or killing on the territory of NATO countries.” “What can stop them is a show of strength,” said Khodorkovsky, a longtime opponent of Putin. “If you have strength, show it. If not, wait until they knock your boots down.”
According to the opposition, the Kremlin will decide to negotiate war with Ukraine only when it realizes that it is too weak to bear further confrontation.
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