MSC 2024: Leaders talk about way forward for European Union

Bill Browder, the American-born British co-founder of Hermitage Capital Management and an adamant critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, spoke to DW on the MSC relating to the loss of life of Alexei Navalny. 

The loss of life of the Russian opposition chief has been confirmed by Navalny’s allies, however they are saying the Russian authorities is refusing handy over his physique.  

Browder asserted that “Putin killed Alexei Navalny” and the “purpose of this murder is to send a message to anybody in Russia who’s even thinking about Vladimir Putin that if you challenge Vladimir Putin, you will be killed.” 

“And that message I believe is an extremely strong message because Alexei Navalny was such a larger than life bigger figure and to take the biggest person and take him down I think is absolutely going to suppress and repress the Russian people, sadly,” he continued. 

Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy had stated it was no coincidence that Navalny’s loss of life was introduced shortly earlier than the MSC kicked off on Friday. Browder stated that the information of Navalny’s loss of life earlier than the occasion was Putin’s means “to effectively troll the entire world.”

“Even though he’s not in person, along with his entourage, by killing Alexei Navalny, Putin is in the head of every single person at this conference all through the weekend,” Browder stated.     

When requested about these on the MSC who consider there’s a technique to negotiate with Putin to finish the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Browder rejected the thought. 

“Putin has made it clear that there’s no negotiation, and that he has no capacity to compromise, to seek peace. Putin is a warmonger,” Browder stated. 

Browder additionally stated he nervous in regards to the destiny of his shut pal, Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has been handed a 25-year jail sentence. 

“Alexei Navalny has now been killed and Vladimir Kara-Murza is probably next on the block,” Browder stated. “We’re terrified for his safety and for his well-being and one of the main topics of the conference for me here is to work with Western leaders to try to figure out a way to free Vladimir Kura-Murza so he doesn’t end up dead like Alexei Navalny did.” 

Browder, as a Putin critic, additionally expressed issues for his personal security: “It’s a very dangerous place for people like me and anybody who opposes Putin in Russia or anywhere in the world, unfortunately.”