The European Union has announced its intention to impose new sanctions on Russia in response to the passing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, as stated by the EU's High Representative, Josep Borrell, on Monday.

In a strongly-worded declaration that squarely places responsibility for Navalny's demise on Russia, Borrell conveyed solidarity with the late activist's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, and their family. "The EU will spare no efforts to hold Russia's political leadership and authorities accountable, in close coordination with our partners, and will impose further costs for their actions, including through sanctions," the statement asserts.

Political pressure on Russia, which was already significant due to the nation's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, intensified on Monday, with several EU countries as well as the U.K. summoning Russian diplomats to answer for Navalny's passing. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the EU has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions against Russia, although many have proven ineffective or easy to circumvent. Borrell announced at a press conference that ministers have agreed to rename the EU's human rights sanctions system as the "Navalny regime on global human rights sanctions," although this change must still undergo a technical process. Furthermore, Borrell's statement indirectly implicates Russia in a 2020 assassination attempt on Navalny using the prohibited nerve agent Novichok.

In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Navalnaya stated on Monday that her husband was killed with Novichok and has pledged to continue his work.