On February 14, five European nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, released a statement regarding the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in a prison in the Arctic region in February 2024. The joint report indicated a high probability that he was poisoned, contrary to the Russian authorities' claims of natural causes. The investigation revealed the presence of 'epibatidine', a toxin found in the poison dart frogs native to South America, which does not occur naturally in Russia.

The analysis led by these countries concluded that the Russian government likely had the means, motive, and opportunity to poison Navalny while he was incarcerated. This assertion raises serious implications about the conduct of the Russian state and its blatant disregard for international laws, particularly the Chemical Weapons Convention. The findings suggest a direct involvement in the act of poisoning, thereby highlighting the potential use of chemical agents against political opponents.

In light of these revelations, the five countries have also expressed their concern over Russia's persistent violations of international law and their commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention. They have sent a letter to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to bring attention to this matter, further underscoring the international community's commitment to addressing the use of chemical weapons and ensuring accountability for such actions. The situation around Navalny's death remains highly contentious and continues to strain relations between Russia and Western nations.