Was Navalny about to be released just before his death?

Members of the entourage of the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny shared that talks were underway for his release in a prisoner swap before his untimely death.

Alexei Navalny: Putin critic about to be freed in prisoner swap when he died, says ally https://t.co/2sJc9mv1yC

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) February 26, 2024

On February 16, Kremlin opponent Alexey Navalny died in an Arctic penal colony, where he was serving a 19-year sentence on charges widely regarded as political.

A Navalny ally reveals that exchange talks were in the final stages. According to sources, Navalny and two US nationals detained in Russia were being considered in this proposed exchange.

This statement raises questions about the presumed composition of the list, given the incarceration of several Americans in Russia under contentious circumstances. It is plausible to consider the presence of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, accused of espionage, and Michigan security official Paul Whelan, also convicted of espionage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to negotiate, without mentioning any specific names, but apparently alluding to a Russian national detained in Germany and sentenced to life imprisonment since 2019.

No concrete evidence was provided to back up these claims. German authorities have refused to divulge any information about the Russian prisoner held and any possible exchange talks.