Two years ago, Yulia Navalny made the heartbreaking announcement of her husband Alexei Navalny’s tragic death in Munich, allegedly at the hands of the Russian state. Today, we have unveiled the gruesome circumstances surrounding his demise while standing alongside her. According to laboratory tests, a lethal toxin known as epibatidine, typically found in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs, was detected in Alexei Navalny’s body, likely leading to his death.
There are strong suspicions that the Russian state orchestrated the deployment of this deadly toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment, as supported by various nations’ investigations. Consequently, Russia is being held accountable for his untimely demise.
This incident is just one element of a larger pattern of malicious activities, posing a growing threat to European security and extending to the streets of Britain. From launching missiles on innocent civilians in Ukraine to spreading hybrid threats across Europe and beyond, Russia’s aggression is evident.
Following the Cold War, expectations for peaceful cooperation between the UK and Russia have been shattered. Instead, we must now prepare to counter Russian aggression, which encompasses hybrid threats, cyber-attacks, sabotage, large-scale disinformation campaigns, and efforts to undermine democratic processes.
The UK is taking a firm stance against Russia’s nefarious conduct. Legal actions under the National Security Act have exposed and deterred Russian-affiliated proxies. Sanctions have been imposed on the GRU, Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency, significantly reducing Russia’s intelligence activities in Europe. Efforts are underway to cut off funding sources for Putin’s war in Ukraine by tightening control over Russia’s shadow fleet vessels.
Unity stands as our most potent weapon. Strengthened by partnerships abroad, particularly through NATO, we fortify our defenses at home. Collaboration with allies at events like the Munich Security Conference is pivotal in formulating a collective strategy for action against Russia. Rather than dividing us, Russia’s actions only serve to unite and fortify our resolve.
Yvette Cooper, serving as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, has been a Labour MP since 1997. With a distinguished political career, including roles as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Shadow Foreign Secretary, and Shadow Home Secretary, she took on the role of Foreign Secretary in September 2025 after serving as Home Secretary from July 2024. Cooper represents Pontefract, Castleford, and Knottingley as an MP since July 2024.