A Western official has confirmed that there were early talks regarding a potential prisoner exchange involving Russian critic Alexei Navalny, who died in Russian custody. A top Navalny aide claimed negotiations were in the final stage for a deal to free Navalny and two Americans in exchange for a Russian assassin held in Germany.
The Kremlin has categorically denied any connection with Navalny's death, calling the reports obnoxious and rejecting them outright. While the US and Russia have been discussing a possible prisoner swap, the Kremlin stated they were unaware of negotiations involving Navalny.
