A recent investigation revealed that the poison used to assassinate Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was identified as epibatidine, a highly toxic alkaloid derived from the skin of a South American poison dart frog. Journalist Christo Grozev from Bellingcat commented on this breakthrough as a miracle, highlighting that despite the identification of the poison after two years of rigorous investigation, many questions about the circumstances and perpetrators of Navalny's poisoning remain unanswered. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving journalists, activists, and experts aiming to bring justice to Navalny, the most significant opponent of Putin's regime.

The choice of epibatidine as the poison is particularly interesting due to its extreme potency as an analgesic, being 200 times stronger than morphine. However, its intense effects and toxicity also result in it not being used medically, leading to speculation about why the murderers opted for this specific substance. Grozev remarked that investigators would strive to connect all the dots and push forward towards conclusively identifying the culprits involved in this politically motivated attack aimed at one of Putin's staunchest critics.

As the case continues to unfold, the importance of holding those accountable is emphasized, not only for Navalny's sake but for the broader implications regarding dissent in Russia and the risks faced by opposition figures. The discussions around the poison's origins and effects raise further questions that the investigative teams will need to address as they delve deeper into the intricacies of this high-stakes political assassination and its lasting impact on Russian politics and society.