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France: Navalny poisoning shows Putin ready to use nerve agents on own people

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 14, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: February 14, 2026

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France: Navalny poisoning shows Putin ready to use nerve agents on own people
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PARIS, Feb 14 (Reuters) - French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noel Barrot on Saturday said President Vladimir Putin was willing to use chemical weapons against Russians, citing latest Western conclusions

Navalny Poisoning Reveals Putin's Readiness to Use Chemical Weapons

Putin's Use of Chemical Weapons Against Russians

PARIS, Feb 14 (Reuters) - French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noel Barrot on Saturday said President Vladimir Putin was willing to use chemical weapons against Russians, citing latest Western conclusions that Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a lethal nerve agent.

Joint Statement from Western Governments

The governments of Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said in a joint statement they had concluded that Navalny had been poisoned with a lethal toxin in a penal colony two years ago. The Russian government has denied any responsibility for Navalny's death.

Details of Navalny's Poisoning

"Two years ago, Alexei Navalny died from poisoning caused by one of the deadliest nerve agents. We now know that Vladimir Putin is prepared to use chemical weapons against his own people to maintain his grip on power," Barrot said in remarks on X.

(Reporting by John Irish, writing by Leigh ThomasEditing by Tomasz Janowski)

Key Takeaways

  • Navalny was poisoned with a lethal nerve agent.
  • Putin is accused of using chemical weapons against Russians.
  • Western governments issued a joint statement on the poisoning.
  • Russia denies responsibility for Navalny's death.
  • French Foreign Minister comments on the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chemical weapon?
A chemical weapon is a toxic chemical used to harm or kill humans, animals, or plants. They are classified as weapons of mass destruction and are prohibited under various international treaties.
What is international response?
International response refers to the actions taken by countries or international organizations to address a global issue, such as a humanitarian crisis or violation of international law.

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