Navalny, who was long seen as the most significant political opponent to Russian President Vladimir Putin,
died in prison on Friday. The death of the 47-year-old, a month before Moscow’s presidential election,
sent shockwaves around the world.
Kirby also called on Congress to pass funding for Ukraine and other allies, echoing President Joe Biden’s
remarks on Monday blaming Republicans for inaction.
“One of the most powerful things that we can do right now to stand up to Vladimir Putin, of course, is to, again, pass the bipartisan national security supplemental bill and support Ukraine as they continue to fight bravely and assess their country,” Kirby said.
On Sunday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said
he wants Russia to be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism after Navalny’s death.
Asked about that possibility, Kirby said he has no updates on whether the U.S. will designate Russia as a state sponsor of terror, but emphasized that the sanctions will “ramp up pressure” on the Kremlin.
In 2021, Biden told reporters that if Navalny died, the consequences for Russia
would be “devastating.” Asked directly about that on Friday, the president said his remark was three years ago, and they’ve faced “a hell of a lot of consequences” since then.
Biden
directly blamed Russia for Navalny’s death and said: “We’re contemplating what else can be done,” adding, “We’re looking at a whole number of options.”
