The European Union (EU) has called on Russia to conduct a transparent investigation into the assassination attempt on opposition leader Alexei Navalny without further delay.

Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, a banned Soviet-era nerve agent, which Russia is obligated to address under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The EU maintains that Russia has specific obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention to provide answers regarding Navalny's poisoning.

Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, linked the assassination attempt to Navalny's subsequent death, emphasizing the escalation of politically motivated actions against him.

Borrell attributed ultimate responsibility for Navalny's death to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the authorities who imprisoned him on politically motivated charges.

Navalny survived the poisoning incident on August 20, 2020, but tragically died in February 2023 while serving a 19-year sentence in a strict regime prison in the Arctic.

Since 2020, the EU has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for Navalny's poisoning and arbitrary detention.

On March 22, the EU Council implemented restrictive measures against 33 individuals and two entities linked to Navalny's death.

In May, following Navalny's death, the EU Council adopted a new framework for sanctions targeting those responsible for serious human rights violations and undermining democracy in Russia.

Borrell reaffirmed the EU's commitment to hold Russian leaders accountable for their treatment of Navalny and other political prisoners.

Borrell emphasized the need for Russia to cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to facilitate an impartial international investigation.