Two years ago in Munich, Yulia Navalny tragically revealed the death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, at the hands of the Russian government. Today, we have uncovered the cruel circumstances surrounding his demise in a Russian prison. Scientific analysis has confirmed the presence of a lethal poison, epibatidine, derived from Ecuador dart frogs, in Alexei Navalny’s system, likely causing his death.
There is strong evidence pointing towards the Russian state as having the capability, motivation, and opportunity to use this deadly toxin against Navalny while he was incarcerated. In line with investigations conducted by other nations, we hold Russia accountable for his tragic passing.
This incident is just one aspect of a broader trend of malicious activities that pose a growing threat to European security, extending even to British soil. From launching missiles on innocent civilians in Ukraine to the proliferation of hybrid threats across Europe and beyond, Russia’s aggressive behavior is escalating.
Following the Cold War, there were expectations of cooperation and peace between the UK and Russia. However, those aspirations have faded, and now we must prepare to counter Russian aggression that jeopardizes our continent, including cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and attempts to undermine democratic processes.
The UK will not tolerate Russia’s covert actions. Utilizing our National Security Act, we have prosecuted and deterred individuals linked to Russia. Sanctions have been imposed on the GRU, Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency, significantly reducing Russia’s intelligence operations in Europe. Efforts are underway to disrupt Russia’s financing of the conflict in Ukraine, including tightening control over Russia’s shadow fleet vessels.
Our unity is our strongest asset. Collaborating with allies internationally, particularly through NATO, bolsters our domestic resilience. At the Munich Security Conference, I have been working with partners to coordinate a collective response, as outlined by the Prime Minister. Despite Russia’s attempts to sow division, their actions only serve to strengthen our determination.
Yvette Cooper currently serves as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, with a long-standing career in Labour politics. She has held various key positions within the government, including Shadow Home Secretary and Shadow Foreign Secretary, before assuming her current role as Foreign Secretary on September 5, 2025.
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