Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was reportedly killed by a deadly toxin known as epibatidine, which has been isolated from poisonous frogs in South America. This discovery was made through a collaborative investigation involving the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and France. The presence of epibatidine was detected in samples taken from Navalny's body, and the British Foreign Office stated that it is highly likely that this substance contributed to his death while imprisoned in Siberia two years ago.

The announcement highlighted that only the Russian state had the "means, motive, and opportunity" to employ this lethal toxin. In response, the Kremlin has dismissed the findings as a "disinformation campaign," demonstrating the ongoing tension and suspicion surrounding Navalny's treatment and the actions of the Russian government. This incident not only raises concerns about political assassination attempts but also draws attention to the broader issues of accountability and human rights within Russia.

Epibatidine is described by toxicology expert Jill Johnson as a natural neurotoxin that is significantly stronger than other known poisons, being approximately 200 times more potent than morphine. The implications of such a toxin being utilized in political contexts underscore the dangers faced by opposition figures in Russia and prompt calls for international investigation and potential sanctions against Russian officials involved in Navalny's case. The situation remains critically relevant in the discourse surrounding global human rights practices and the role of chemical weapons in geopolitical conflicts.