Why Alexei Navalny Came Back to Russia

Yulia Navalnaya, wife of late Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, shared insights on why her husband chose to return to Russia despite the known risks. She revealed that the decision was never up for debate; it was about when, not if, they would continue their fight against Vladimir Putin in Russia. Yulia understood her husband's determination and accepted that he wouldn't be content living in exile. In 2021, Alexei and Yulia were arrested upon their return to Russia. Navalny's powerful journey against Putin, his imprisonment, and his eventual death in February 2024 are chronicled in his posthumous memoir, "Patriot. " The memoir was started in Germany after Navalny's near-fatal poisoning, but much of it was written while he was imprisoned in Russia. Navalny maintained a strong online presence, attacking Putin through social media despite harsh prison conditions. These conditions included sleep deprivation, solitary confinement, and minimal medical care. His resilience in the face of these challenges shows his unwavering commitment to his cause and the support he felt from those around him, including his wife Yulia. The memoir, titled "Patriot, " was written under constant surveillance. Alexei Navalny used ingenious methods to smuggle his writing out of prison, using identical notebooks and passing them during court appearances. The conditions worsened over time, but his spirit remained unbroken. After Alexei's death, Yulia Navalnaya took up her husband's work, leading the opposition movement. She believes that the fight against Putin is far from over and that her husband's legacy lives on through his supporters. Despite the risks, Yulia remains steadfast in her mission to keep Alexei's voice alive.