Leaders talk about the future of the European Union – DW – 2024/02/18

Bill Browder, the American-born British co-founder of Hermitage Capital Management and a harsh critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, spoke to DW at the MSC about Alexei Navalny’s death.

Navalny’s allies have confirmed the death of the Russian opposition leader, but the Russian government says it is refusing to hand over his body.

“President Putin killed Alexei Navalny,” Browder said, adding, “The purpose of this killing was to convince people in Russia who were thinking about Vladimir Putin that if they challenged Vladimir Putin, they would be killed.” It’s about sending a message that we can do it.”

“And I believe that that message is a very powerful one, because Mr. Alexei Navalny is a larger-than-life man, and to bring down the greatest man and bring him down is sad. “I think it will absolutely repress and repress the Russian people,” he continued. .

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky said it was no coincidence that Navalny’s death was announced just before the MSC began on Friday. Browder said the news of Navalny’s death before the event was Putin’s way “to effectively troll the whole world.”

“Even if Mr. Putin doesn’t show up in person with his aides because of the killing of Alexei Navalny, he will be in the minds of everyone attending this conference all weekend,” Browder said. .

When asked about MSC officials who believed there was a way to negotiate with President Putin to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Browder dismissed that idea.

“President Putin has made it clear that there will be no negotiation, that there is no ability to compromise and seek peace. President Putin is a warmonger,” Browder said.

Browder also said he was worried about the fate of his close friend, Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

“Alexei Navalny was killed and the next person to be killed is probably Vladimir Kara-Murza,” Browder said. “We are concerned about his safety and well-being, and for me one of the main topics of the meeting here is how to work with Western leaders to free Vladimir Kula Murza. Find out. You will end up dying like Alexei Navalny.”

As a critic of Putin, Browder also expressed concern for his own safety, saying, “Unfortunately, this is a very dangerous place for people like me and for opponents of Putin in Russia and around the world.” Told.