As the world reacted with anger to the news of Alexei Navalny’s death in a Russian prison, Vladimir Putin was seen grinning in Chelyabinsk.

Despite the shocking news, the 71-year-old President appeared animated and merrily met workers at a factory in the Ural mountains.

This came minutes after his spokesperson confirmed that Putin had been informed about Navalny’s death.

However, in footage of the meeting published after the announcement, Putin made no mention of Navalny, a stark contrast to the international outrage over the opposition leader’s death.

Navalny’s Death and Putin’s Reaction

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had confirmed Putin’s awareness of Navalny’s death.

However, whenever Putin did speak about Navalny, he made it a point to never mention the activist by name. This apparent effort to diminish Navalny’s importance was evident in Putin’s speeches.

Navalny’s death, following months of deteriorating health in harsh detention conditions, robs the Russian opposition of its most courageous leader as Putin prepares for an election to retain power until at least 2030.

International Condemnation

As Putin toured the factory, condemnation poured in from world leaders.

Latvian President Egils Levits accused Putin of “murdering” Navalny, a sentiment echoed by several other senior politicians and commentators.

Boris Johnson, the former British prime minister, stated that Navalny had been “put to death” by Putin simply for opposing him.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, called for the international community to unite and hold Putin’s regime responsible for her husband’s death, stating that “they will be accountable for what they’ve done to our country, to my family, and to my husband.”

Protests and Claims of Early Death

The news of Navalny’s death sparked protests, with people laying flowers at memorials to victims of political repression in his honor.

However, there were claims that Navalny had died hours before the official announcement.

Journalist Sergei Dobrynin suggested that Navalny had actually died soon after an early morning walk, and the authorities waited hours to announce it as they prepared a news management strategy.

Navalny’s Legacy and Putin’s Russia

Navalny’s death marks the loss of a prominent figure in the Russian opposition.

For many young urban Russians, Navalny represented hope for an alternative future to Putin’s rule.

His assassination, as perceived by many, has drawn strong condemnations from world leaders, signaling a challenging time ahead for Russia under Putin’s regime.

Putin Smiles Amid Navalny Outcry

Following the news of Alexei Navalny’s death in a Russian prison, Vladimir Putin was seen smiling and engaging with workers at a factory in Chelyabinsk.

Despite global outrage over Navalny’s death, Putin appeared unfazed during his visit to the Ural mountains, minutes after his spokesperson confirmed that Putin had been informed about Navalny’s death.

Navalny’s Death and Putin’s Response

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin’s awareness of Navalny’s death. However, Putin rarely mentioned Navalny by name, seemingly downplaying his importance.

Navalny’s death, after months of deteriorating health in harsh detention conditions, leaves the Russian opposition without its most outspoken leader as Putin gears up for an election to remain in power until at least 2030.

International Backlash

As Putin toured the factory, world leaders condemned Navalny’s death. Latvian President Egils Levits accused Putin of “murdering” Navalny, a sentiment echoed by several other senior politicians and commentators.

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated that Navalny had been “put to death” by Putin for opposing him.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, called for the international community to hold Putin’s regime accountable for her husband’s death.

Protests and Controversy

Navalny’s death sparked protests, with people laying flowers at memorials to victims of political repression.