Sherman Statement on Death of Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On February 16th, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died while in custody of a Russian prison, following a yearslong struggle against official corruption and President Vladimir Putin's government. Navalny was 47 years old.

Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, issued the following statement in reaction to the passing of Alexei Navalny:

"Navalny fought to bring democracy to Russia and expose the vast corruption of its dictator, Putin. Despite being jailed and poisoned, he was relentless in his fight. I am saddened to learn that today, like opposition leaders before him, Navalny was murdered by Putin. Navalny's death underscores the fight by Russia's opposition and Ukraine to live as free people - a struggle that Americans should hold sacred.

The best thing we can do to honor Navalny's legacy and struggle for freedom is to provide Ukraine the tools they need to win by passing the National Security Supplemental. Putin cannot and will not win."

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