Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of the late Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny, and his team have expressed their satisfaction with the recent prisoner exchange with Russia. Navalnaya described the release of political prisoners as a significant victory and a cause for celebration. She emphasized the importance of not allowing individuals to be held captive, tortured, or perish in Russian prisons under Putin's regime.
Navalnaya praised the extensive and challenging efforts that were required to facilitate the exchange, acknowledging that there are still many more individuals for whom they must continue to advocate.
Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's former press secretary, revealed that US Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to Navalnaya to discuss the exchange and offer support. Navalnaya expressed gratitude to Harris for the assistance provided by the US in coordinating the prisoner swap.
Navalny's team shared on Telegram that some of the released prisoners had been detained for their opposition activities or as a means of intimidating others, while others were taken hostage to be used in exchanges. The team expressed joy that these individuals were now reunited with their families.
The team also mentioned that Navalny was intended to be part of the exchange but tragically passed away earlier this year while in custody. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny's death.
During a briefing, US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that Navalny was initially included in the exchange agreement before his untimely demise.
