Aleksei Navalny, the prominent Russian opposition leader, was likely poisoned with a potent toxin derived from the skin of a poison dart frog native to Ecuador, according to a joint investigation by France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The findings, announced Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Munich Security Conference, point to epibatidine, a neurotoxin 200 times more potent than morphine, as the probable cause of his death in a Russian penal colony in February 2024.
The investigation, conducted alongside Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, analyzed samples taken from the late politician and confirmed the presence of the highly toxic substance. Navalnaya was present at the Munich Security Conference when the results were revealed, flanked by foreign ministers from four of the investigating nations, according to Sky News.
Russian authorities have maintained that Navalny died of natural causes, a claim directly challenged by the new evidence. Investigators stated that, given the extreme toxicity of epibatidine and the reported symptoms Navalny experienced, poisoning was the most likely cause of death. The circumstances of his death whereas in custody, they added, suggest Russia possessed the means, motive, and opportunity to administer the poison.
What is Epibatidine?
Epibatidine is a powerful neurotoxin originally isolated from the skin of poison dart frogs found in the rainforests of Ecuador. Its potency stems from its ability to bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system, disrupting nerve function. Even minute amounts can be lethal. The investigation’s findings suggest a deliberate act, given the difficulty in obtaining and administering such a rare and dangerous substance.
Navalny’s History of Alleged Poisoning and Imprisonment
This is not the first time Navalny has been the target of alleged poisoning attempts. In August 2020, he fell ill during a flight in Siberia and was subsequently treated in Germany, where tests revealed he had been poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok. He recovered and returned to Russia in January 2021, where he was immediately arrested and later convicted on charges widely considered politically motivated by his supporters. The documentary “Navalny” chronicles his work exposing corruption and challenging the Russian government.
International Response and Next Steps
The five investigating nations plan to submit their findings to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an international body working to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent their use. The OPCW will independently verify the results and could launch a further investigation. The findings are likely to increase international pressure on Russia, already facing sanctions and condemnation for its actions in Ukraine and its suppression of dissent at home. Yulia Navalnaya has vowed to continue her husband’s work, and the investigation’s findings are expected to galvanize further calls for accountability.
The Kremlin has not yet commented on the latest allegations. The investigation’s conclusions, however, reinforce concerns about the safety of political opponents within Russia and the potential for state-sponsored violence. The use of a rare and potent toxin like epibatidine suggests a calculated and deliberate act, raising serious questions about the involvement of Russian authorities in Navalny’s death.
The international community will be watching closely for Russia’s response and the OPCW’s verification process. Further investigation and accountability measures are expected to be key demands from Western governments and human rights organizations. The pursuit of justice for Aleksei Navalny and the exposure of those responsible for his death remain critical priorities.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.