Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say
A lethal chemical not found in Russia was conclusively identified in his body.
Deep Dive
Five European countries have jointly confirmed that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned with epibatidine, a deadly neurotoxin found in South American poison dart frogs. The UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands stated the substance is not naturally found in Russia, concluding Russia had "the means, motive and opportunity." They are reporting Russia to the global chemical weapons watchdog for violating the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Why It Matters
This formal accusation by major European powers escalates diplomatic pressure and could trigger new international sanctions against Russia.