Putin says he supported a prisoner swap for Navalny before his death

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday, days before his rival Alexei Navalny’s death, that he supported a prisoner swap with him.

In response to questions from NBC News Putin said on Sunday that he had been contacted “a few days before Mr. Navalny’s death” about “the idea of ​​exchanging Mr. Navalny with some people in prisons in Western countries.” He said he supported the idea, which came from “certain colleagues who are not from the (presidential) administration,” according to the Associated Press.

“Believe it or not, when I said, ‘I agree,’ the person I was talking to couldn’t even finish the sentence,” Putin said, according to the Associated Press. He pointed out that one of the conditions was not to return.

“But unfortunately, whatever happened, what happened happened,” Putin added.

Russian opposition leader Navalny died last month while serving a 19-year sentence. Prison officials said Reeder felt unwell after the walk and he lost consciousness, noting that attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Navalny’s allies, family and world leaders have blamed Putin for the opposition leader’s death. President Biden also blamed Putin for Navalny’s death, meeting with his widow and daughter shortly after announcing his death last month.

One of Navalny’s top aides, Maria Pevchiv, said last month that on the eve of Navalny’s death, negotiations were underway to release Navalny in exchange for the release of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian murderer serving a life sentence in Germany. He said he had entered the final stage. Two Americans detained in Russia are also believed to have participated in the agreement.

Mr. Pevchikh is the chairman of Mr. Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation.

“But why did he [Putin] Do you want to kill him now? Why February 16th? I know the answer to that question and have no reason or desire to hide it,” Pevchikh said. with video message last month.

“Mr. Alexei Navalny could have been sitting in my place today, right now. This is not a metaphor. It could have happened and should have happened. We will make the decision to replace Mr. Navalny. He was supposed to be released within a few days,” she said.

The Associated Press noted at the time that Pevchiv’s claims could not be independently verified.

The Associated Press contributed.