Yulia Navalnaya, widow of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, released a video statement on Monday, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of being responsible for her husband's death. Navalny passed away in a Siberian penal colony on February 16, with prison authorities stating he collapsed after a walk and never regained consciousness. Yulia Navalnaya, who was mainly out of the public eye before her husband's death, pledged to carry on his work for a "free, peaceful, happy" Russia.

In her emotional message, Yulia expressed grief and anger, urging viewers to stand alongside her in fighting against corruption, injustice, and for fair elections and freedom of speech. She criticized authorities for hiding Navalny's body and hinted at revealing more information soon about the circumstances of his death. Despite efforts to locate Navalny's body being blocked by prison authorities, an investigation into his death is ongoing, as confirmed by the Kremlin on Monday.

Western leaders, including President Joe Biden and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, have placed blame on Putin for Navalny's death. Both the EU and US are considering new sanctions on Russia in response to the tragedy. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Western politicians' comments as "arrogant" and "unacceptable." Meanwhile, Russian prison authorities claim Navalny suffered "sudden death syndrome," with hundreds of people detained across Russia for attending memorials in Navalny's honor.

Yulia Navalnaya's powerful stance has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between the opposition and the Russian government, highlighting the risks faced by those who challenge the status quo in Russia. Her determination to carry on her late husband's vision for a democratic and free Russia underscores the enduring impact of Navalny's activism.