Undoubtedly, Mr Navalny's tireless activism has been a constant thorn in Mr Putin's side. While Mr Putin has shown no hesitation in striking foes at home and abroad, he had largely tolerated Mr Navalny's campaign against him. Moreover, Mr Putin is not the only enemy Mr Navalny had to fear. However, it is still not too late for Mr Putin and by extension the Kremlin to prove their innocence and critics wrong. Remember, the likes of Litvinenko and Mr Skripal were spies but Mr Navalny is a vocal government critic who holds cards Mr Putin might not want to be revealed.

Source: Bangkok Post August 22, 2020 23:37 UTC