The widow of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition politician who died in a prison in the Arctic last week, is joining EU foreign ministers in Brussels today, Monday, just days before the second anniversary of the start of the Russian war in Ukraine. Julia Navalnaya stated in front of a crowd of Western leaders, diplomats, and other officials in Munich on Friday that Putin and his allies will bear responsibility for "what they have done to our country, my family, and my husband."
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced on Monday that the meeting will highlight "support for freedom fighters in Russia and honor the memory of Alexei Navalny." Borrell noted that EU countries are expected to seek new sanctions against Moscow due to the prominent opposition figure's death. He added, "We need to send a message of support for the Russian opposition. Therefore, on both the political and military fronts, we must continue our support for Ukraine and the Russian people who want to live freely."
Ministers are scheduled to discuss military support for Ukraine and what the 13th package of sanctions imposed by the EU on Moscow will entail since it launched an extensive invasion of its neighbor on February 24, 2022. The meeting comes at a time when the United States is struggling to finalize an agreement for additional assistance to Ukraine, as many in Europe are increasingly concerned about the possibility of former President Donald Trump returning to the White House.
