Two years ago in Munich, Yulia Navalny sadly announced the death of her husband Alexei Navalny due to the actions of the Russian state.
Today, we have uncovered the harsh circumstances of his passing in a Russian prison. Laboratory tests have shown that the lethal toxin epibatidine, typically found in the skin of Ecuador dart frogs, was present in Alexei Navalny’s body, likely leading to his demise.
The Russian government had the means, motive, and opportunity to use this deadly substance against Navalny while he was incarcerated. Along with other nations investigating the matter, we hold Russia accountable for his death.
This incident is part of a broader trend of malign activities that pose a growing threat to European security and extend to the streets of Britain. Russian aggression ranges from attacking innocent Ukrainian civilians to spreading hybrid threats across Europe and beyond.
Following the Cold War, there was an expectation of peaceful cooperation between the UK and Russia. However, those aspirations have been shattered, and we must now prepare to address Russian aggression, including cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and attempts to undermine democracy.
The UK is taking a firm stand against Russia’s malicious actions. Prosecutions under the National Security Act have deterred Russian-linked actors, and sanctions have been imposed on the GRU, Russia’s foreign military intelligence agency. Efforts to disrupt Russia’s intelligence operations in Europe are ongoing, and measures have been implemented to restrict funding for the conflict in Ukraine.
Unity is our most potent weapon. Collaborating with allies, including through NATO, strengthens our domestic resilience. At the Munich Security Conference, I have been working with partners to advance a coordinated response to the challenges posed by Russia. Despite Russia’s attempts to sow division, its actions only serve to reinforce our determination.
Yvette Cooper serves as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, with a longstanding career in politics since 1997. She has held various key positions, including Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Shadow Foreign Secretary, and Shadow Home Secretary. Appointed as Foreign Secretary in September 2025, Yvette Cooper previously served as Home Secretary from July 2024 onwards.
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