US intelligence agencies believe Russian President Vladimir Putin likely did not directly order the assassination of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison camp in February, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Navalny, aged 47 and Putin’s most vocal domestic adversary, was long targeted by Russian authorities, leading his supporters to accuse Putin of orchestrating his murder. Despite these allegations and previous incidents, including a 2020 poisoning, the US report suggests Putin’s direct involvement in Navalny’s recent death is unlikely. The Kremlin has consistently denied any state role in attacks on Navalny. However, the US has not fully exonerated Putin, acknowledging his general responsibility under the oppressive climate facing opposition figures in Russia.–News Desk