The global response to the death of prominent Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was immediate. Leaders from around the world, as well as exiled Russians and Kremlin analysts, lauded his activism and, in many instances, squarely attributed responsibility to the Russian government. The Russian Federal Penitentiary Service reported that Navalny, aged 47, fell unconscious after taking a stroll in a remote Arctic prison where he was serving a lengthy sentence on multiple charges. Navalny's supporters view these charges as retaliation for his outspoken criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Yulia Navalnaya, Navalny's wife, addressed the Munich Security Conference, stating that if the reports are accurate, she holds Putin, his associates, and the government accountable for all the "awful things" committed in Russia. She urged the international community to "unite and fight this evil ... the horrific regime in Russia". 
Vice President Kamala Harris also commented at the conference in Munich, Germany. "If confirmed, this would be a further sign of Putin's brutality," she said. "Whatever story they tell, let us be clear, Russia is responsible." 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the same conference that Russia was to blame, saying Navalny's "death in a Russian prison and the fixation and fear of one man only underscores the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built."

There were also strong reactions throughout Europe.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Navalny stood up for democracy and freedom in Russia and apparently paid for his courage with his life. "This terrible news shows once again how Russia has changed and what kind of regime is in power in Moscow," he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sad "It is obvious that he was killed by Putin." He said the Russian president doesn't care who dies so long as his position as head of state is secure. 

The European Union also holds the Kremlin responsible. EU Council President Charles Michel said that Navalny made the ultimate sacrifice for his ideals, and that the EU "holds the Russian regime solely responsible for this tragic death."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the news reminds the world what a "monster" Putin is.

"It really shows the extent to which Putin has [or] will crack down on anyone who is fighting for freedom for the Russian people, and it's something that has the entire world being reminded of exactly what a monster Putin is", - said Canadian Prime Minister. 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he was "deeply saddened" by the news, but urged patience until all the facts are clear and that Russia can answer all the circumstances of Navalny's death. 

“Alexei Navalny paid with his life for his resistance to a system of oppression,” French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne said on X. “His death at a penal colony reminds us of the reality of Vladimir Putin’s regime,” Sejourne said, expressing condolences to Navalny’s family and the Russian people. 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement that Navalny’s death was “disturbing”, and served as a warning to the rest of the world. “We express our heartfelt condolences and hope that full clarity will be revealed over this disturbing event,” she added.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said in a post on X: “Whatever your thoughts about Alexey Navalny as the politician, he was just brutally murdered by the Kremlin.” 

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pledged to “never forgive” those responsible for Navalny’s death in prison. “Alexei, we will never forget you. And we will never forgive them,” Tusk said on X. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This is terrible news. As the fiercest advocate for Russian democracy, Alexei Navalny demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life.