High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrel said that Russia should "allow an independent and transparent international investigation into the circumstances of the sudden death" of Alexei Navalny.

In a statement posted on the website of the European Council, Borrell said that responsibility for Navalny's death lies with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian authorities.

"The EU will make every effort to hold Russia's political leadership and authorities accountable, in close coordination with our partners, and impose additional sanctions for their actions, including through sanctions," Borrel said.

He also called for the immediate release of all people detained in Russia at the rallies in memory of Alexei Navalny.

The head of European diplomacy noted that Navalny had demonstrated incredible courage throughout his life, and "Putin and his regime were afraid of him," including against the background of the ongoing war and the presidential elections in Russia.