1 year ago
Navalny's Death Derailed Prisoner Swap Negotiations
A famous Russian critic of Putin named Alexei Navalny died in prison, causing a big shock.
The U.S. and Germany were trying to get him and some Americans back in a trade with Russia.
They were going to give back a Russian assassin and spies.
But before they could do it, Navalny died.
This messed up the plans, but the U.S. is still trying to get the Americans held in Russia free.
The deal was super secret, and lots of important people were involved, but it did not happen in time to save Navalny.
Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian dissident, died in prison, reportedly just before a planned prisoner exchange.
The U.S. and Germany were negotiating with Russia for a swap involving Navalny, two Americans, and a Russian assassin.
Special Envoy Roger Carstens attempted to facilitate the exchange but faced bureaucratic hurdles and opposition.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Joe Biden discussed the prisoner swap, including the release of Vadim Krasikov.
Following Navalny's death, the U.S. vowed to continue efforts to secure the release of American prisoners in Russia.
- Who
- Alexei Navalny, U.S. Special Envoy Roger Carstens, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Joe Biden, and various intelligence and government officials.
- What
- Alexei Navalny's death and subsequent fallout on international prisoner exchange efforts.
- Where
- Russia (Navalny's imprisonment), Germany (Munich Security Conference, Scholz and Biden meeting), and various international locations where negotiations occurred.
- When
- Navalny's death on February 16, 2024, and the preceding months of negotiations.
- Why
- Navalny's death jeopardized prisoner exchange plans involving the U.S., Germany, and Russia, highlighting the risks and complexities of international diplomacy.
Proponents of Prisoner Exchange
Skeptics of Prisoner Exchange
Motivations
Proponents of Prisoner Exchange
Prioritized the release of political prisoners and wrongfully detained Americans.
Skeptics of Prisoner Exchange
Concerned about the political implications of appearing weak towards Russia.
Objectives
Proponents of Prisoner Exchange
Believed it was critical to negotiate with Russia for their citizens' safe return and could boost Biden's re-election chances.
Skeptics of Prisoner Exchange
Worried that the deal could legitimize Putin’s actions and the killing of dissidents.
Key facts
- Victim
- Alexei Navalny
- Key Players
- Roger Carstens, Olaf Scholz, Joe Biden, Vladimir Putin
- Location of Death
- Arctic Prison Camp, Russia
- Proposed Exchange
- Navalny, American citizens, for Russian spies/assassin
- American Prisoners
- Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich
- Russian Assassin
- Vadim Krasikov
- Date of Exchange
- August 1, 2024 (successful, post-Navalny)
Quotes
Yulia Navalnaya
Widow of Alexei Navalny
“I want Putin, his entourage, Putin’s friends, and his government to know they will pay for what they have done to our country, to our family, and my husband.”
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“Unfortunately, there are no reindeer, but there are huge, fluffy and very beautiful German shepherds.”
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Jake Sullivan
National Security Advisor
“I never thought a deal with Navalny would work.”
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“It’s not a breaking point”
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Roger Carstens
Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs
“I’m not sure the FSB is passing on our messages”
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“Not officially, but just to get your view.”
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Olaf Scholz
German Chancellor
“For you, I will do this.”
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“I will fly to see you”
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Paul Whelan
Former Marine
“If they are willing to kill Navalny they could do something to me”
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“Poison me”
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Kremlin’s state newswire
Official news source
“Alexei Navalny has died in prison”
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“The cause of death is being established.”
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Maria Pevchikh
Navalny’s friend and head of investigations
“What if they kill him?”
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German diplomat
Unidentified
“Oh no! We were working on getting him out!”
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Ella Milman
Mother of Evan Gershkovich
“Doesn’t this create more urgency to free Evan?”
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