Navalny as a factor of discord between Russia and the West

The situation around Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has long been a factor of discord between Russia and the West. Recent events surrounding his alleged poisoning have only added fuel to Europe's endless complaints about the oppression of dissidents in Russia, writes Alex Ivanov, Moscow correspondent.

Scandalous statements from Berlin about “indisputable facts of poisoning Navalny with Novichok" threaten very irritant and tense relations between Moscow and Brussels.

Germany and the EU put pressure on Russia and demanding an investigation into the incident. Moscow is expected to provide information in an ultimatum, implicitly hinting that the opposition leader was poisoned by "the Kremlin's order". Naturally, Western minds almost immediately drew parallels with poisoning of the Russian spy Skripal and his daughter in British Salisbury.

Moscow is likely to face new claims and even sanctions, which are clearly hinted at both in Europe and America. Russia's new punitive measures are being openly discussed as a fait accompli.

Even the fate of the almost completed Nord stream - 2 gas pipeline is already dependent on the progress of the investigation of the incident with Navalny.

Russia categorically rejects the charges of poisoning Navalny and expects the German authorities to provide comprehensive information. However, Berlin is in no hurry to do this and is likely to pass on its conclusions about Navalny's health and the results of his examination at the Charite clinic through international structures. Namely, through the Organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons.

No matter what people in Germany and other countries say about this situation, there are still more questions than answers. Russia's "presumption of guilt" has long been a traditional factor and a favorite argument in the East-West dialogue. Moscow, according to many "hotheads" in the realm of democracy, is a symbol of arbitrariness and infringement of democracy.

Although the same protests in the United States against police brutality and the already serial murders of black people prove that problems with human rights and personal freedom in America have long worried people around the world. America, unlike Russia, has long used troops to disperse protesters.

The "Navalny phenomenon" will long be a factor of irritation and even hostility in Russia's relations with the outside world. Navalny can be wished a speedy recovery and long life, but in the interests of the West, he will spend a lot of time as a victim.

Sadly, the fate of one person is gradually becoming a "mechanism" for fueling hostility and prejudice. And the image of the “sufferer and victim” of the totalitarian regime, which everyone wants to see in the place of Russia, should become the personification of the “regime in Russia”.

But, is it true?