Putin's Rival Navalny's Sudden 'Poisoning'... Escalates into an International Issue

Rumors of Poisoning of Russia's Leading Opposition Figure
France and Germany to Provide Medical Facilities upon Navalny's Request

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The international community is paying close attention as an incident suspected of poisoning Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny has occurred. Germany and France have announced that they will provide conveniences so that Navalny can receive treatment in their countries, but Russian medical staff and others are reportedly negative about this.

Alexei Navalny supporters are protesting, demanding his safe return.
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

On the 20th (local time), Navalny collapsed on a plane while returning from Tomsk, Siberia to Moscow and was taken to a hospital. It is known that Navalny drank only tea at a panic cafe before boarding the plane and did not consume anything else, raising the possibility of poisoning. Navalny is currently unconscious and is being treated in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Navalny is a prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the sudden poisoning allegation has sparked controversy. Last year, Navalny was detained on charges of leading protests and was hospitalized due to an allergic seizure. Additionally, in 2017, a supporter of President Putin was attacked with chemicals, resulting in eye injuries.

According to local medical staff, Navalny's condition is not stable and is still serious. The hospital stated, "All necessary tests have been completed."

The Russian government stated that if he was attacked with poison from outside, they would assist him in receiving treatment abroad. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian presidential office, said, "We must first wait for the final test results to determine the situation that caused him to lose consciousness," adding, "If poisoning is confirmed, appropriate measures and investigations will follow." Peskov also said that Navalny's health status is continuously reported to President Putin and that if he wishes to receive treatment abroad, they will consider options. Currently, Russia's borders are closed due to COVID-19 and other reasons, making it difficult to receive treatment overseas.

According to foreign media, Navalny's family and close associates hope that he will be transferred to a European poison specialist hospital for treatment. However, local medical staff in Omsk say that Navalny's current physical condition is not at a level to be transferred and that external help is not necessary.

A Navalny associate introduced that initially the medical staff mentioned poisoning by poison or other substances, but at some point, they stopped providing additional information and have been stalling.

Russian media reported that Navalny appears to be poisoned by an unknown hallucinogen. Some media also reported that he seems to be poisoned by gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), known as "water drug." Russian investigative authorities are also reportedly not ruling out the possibility that Navalny ingested the poison himself.

Europe is showing a sensitive reaction regarding the poisoning allegation of Navalny. French President Emmanuel Macron stated, "France can provide all necessary support such as treatment, asylum, and protection to Navalny." Chancellor Angela Merkel also announced that medical support including hospital treatment would be provided.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.