2020 Alex Navalny poisoning case

In August 2020, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny fell severely ill on a flight and was hospitalized. Tests revealed he was poisoned with a nerve agent called Novichok, part of a group of chemical weapons. Western labs confirmed the detection. Navalny accused Russian authorities of orchestrating the poisoning to silence him due to his activism. Russia denied involvement. The incident drew international condemnation, highlighting concerns over political repression and the use of chemical weapons in Russia. Navalny’s recovery and the international response intensified tensions between Russia and Western countries.