| For Immediate Release
February 16, 2024 Contact: Athina Lawson
WASHINGTON – This morning, Speaker Mike Johnson issued the following statement concerning reports that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was found dead in a Russian prison:
“Vladimir Putin is a vicious dictator and the world knows he is likely directly responsible for the sudden death of his most prominent political opponent, Alexei Navalny. Putin has shown his willingness to use extreme measures, including the use of radioactive material, to attack his enemies and expand his power.
“If confirmed, this action is emblematic of Putin’s global pattern of silencing critics and eliminating opponents out of fear of dissent. This is the latest attempt to send a message to those working to confront Moscow’s aggression.
“In the coming days, as international leaders are meeting in Munich, we must be clear that Putin will be met with united opposition. As Congress debates the best path forward to support Ukraine, the United States, and our partners, must be using every means available to cut off Putin’s ability to fund his unprovoked war in Ukraine and aggression against the Baltic states.” ### |
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