Two years ago, in Munich, Yulia Navalny sadly announced the death of her husband, Alexei Navalny, attributing it to the Russian state. Today, we have unveiled the grim circumstances surrounding Navalny’s demise in a Russian prison. Analysis has confirmed the presence of a lethal toxin, epibatidine, typically found in Ecuador dart frogs, in Navalny’s body, likely causing his death.
The Russian government had the capability, motive, and opportunity to utilize this deadly substance against Navalny while he was incarcerated. Together with other nations investigating this matter, we hold Russia accountable for his passing.
This incident is just one aspect of a broader pattern of malevolent actions that pose a growing threat to European security and extend to British territories. Russia’s aggressive behavior ranges from attacking innocent civilians in Ukraine to spreading hybrid threats across Europe and beyond.
Following the Cold War, there was optimism for peaceful cooperation between the UK and Russia. However, those aspirations have faded, necessitating preparedness to counter Russian aggression, including cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and efforts to undermine democratic systems.
The UK is taking a firm stance against Russia’s harmful conduct. Legal actions under the National Security Act have deterred Russian-linked entities. Sanctions have been imposed on the GRU, Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency, and efforts to curtail Russia’s intelligence operations in Europe have been intensified. Measures have also been implemented to restrict funding for Putin’s military ventures, including tightening controls on Russia’s shadow fleet vessels.
Our unity is our strongest asset. Collaborations with allies, such as through NATO, bolster our domestic resilience. At the Munich Security Conference, we have been collaborating with partners on a united front for action, as outlined by the Prime Minister. Despite Russia’s attempts to sow division, their actions only serve to unify our resolve.
Yvette Cooper is the Foreign Secretary of the UK, holding various governmental positions since 1997. As a member of the Labour Party, she has served in key roles, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Shadow Foreign Secretary, and Shadow Home Secretary. Appointed as Foreign Secretary in September 2025, Yvette Cooper previously held the position of Home Secretary from July 2024. She represents Pontefract, Castleford, and Knottingley as an MP.