Editorial: Le Monde

• The death of Alexei Navalny illustrates Putin's determination to eradicate all forms of opposition.
• The message behind Navalny's death signifies Putin's intent to retain power, disregarding his detractors.
• Western leaders directly attribute Navalny's death to Putin and his repressive regime.
• Navalny committed an ultimate act of opposition by returning to his country after surviving an assassination attempt.
• Putin rules those who oppose him with death, whether they are democrats or gangsters.
• Death extends beyond Russia, evident in the war in Ukraine.
• The situation calls for Western leaders to be firm in face of the cynicism and expansionism of the Russian regime.
• Navalny's death and Russia's growing belligerence requires Western leaders to reassess their approach to an increasingly hostile Russia.

Conclusion: Failure to confront the situation in a serious and determined manner would indeed be catastrophic.

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