US President says Russia's arrest of Mr. Navalny is 'politically motivated'

Reuters quoted three informed sources as saying that the US plans to impose sanctions on those believed to be involved in the poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

The sources did not specify who the targets were or what legal tools the US would use to punish those involved in the case.

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Photo: Reuters

In August 2020, Mr. Navalny’s plane made an emergency landing in Siberia due to health problems. Mr. Navalny was then flown to Germany, where doctors concluded that he had been poisoned with a nerve agent.

The US State Department has not yet responded to a request for comment on the possibility of sanctions.

While in office, former President Donald Trump did not impose any sanctions on Russia related to the Navalny case.

Many Western countries believe that Mr. Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent. However, the Kremlin has denied any involvement, and asserted that Russia has seen no evidence that Mr. Navalny was poisoned.

After receiving treatment in Germany, Mr. Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021. He was arrested and later sentenced to 30 months in prison.

US President Joe Biden said last month that thearrest Mr. Navalnyis “politically motivated”, and called for his release. Mr. Biden also pledged a new and tough approach to Moscow./.