Washington/Brussels: The United States has threatened Russia over the case of Alexei Navalny, who had organised protests against Russian President Vladimir Putin and is currently in prison. The United States has warned that Russia would be held accountable for any untoward event with Alexei Navalny. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on seven Russian officials in connection with Navalny poisoning. Therefore, the Biden administration appears to have threatened Russia with new sanctions. 

Alexei Navalny faced near-deadly poisoning in August last year. The Russian government was blamed for the poisoning of Navalny, who is known as a bitter opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny returned to Russia after the poisoning and was then arrested and imprisoned. His arrest had sparked protests in Russia. 

Also, European countries had expelled Russian diplomats in protest of the arrest. At the time, the Russian Foreign Ministry had accused Navalny of being a NATO agent. Russia also claimed that Navalny and his allies had held talks with representatives of the United States, the UK and the EU. The Russian Foreign Ministry affirmed it had evidence to prove it. Besides, Russia said the meeting was a plot to destabilise the country. The Biden administration has since imposed sanctions on seven Russian diplomats. 

Navalny is currently in poor health in prison, and his doctor has criticised that he is not receiving proper treatment. On the other hand, Russia has slammed Navalny for not accepting the doctor and treatment provided by the government. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser to US President Biden, has threatened Russia over the matter. 

In an interview with a US news channel, Sullivan said the Russian government had been informed that “Russia will have to face serious consequences if Navalny dies while in custody. The international community will hold Russia accountable for it.” In addition, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has threatened to impose tougher economic sanctions on Russia if Navalny is found poisoned or his human rights have been abused. Like the United States, the European Union’s foreign ministers have expressed concern over the Navalny issue. A virtual meeting between the leaders is expected to take place in the next few hours. 

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