Yulia Navalnaya received the Dresden Peace Prize, awarded posthumously to Alexei Navalny: “Putin will never stop, Putin is war”

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Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was awarded the Dresden Peace Prize 2024 on Sunday. The prestigious award, previously won by notable figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev and Daniel Barenboim, is given to individuals who contribute to a “better and more peaceful” world.

Navalnaya accepted the award on behalf of her late husband, who died in a Russian prison earlier this year, and dedicated it to those who defend freedom and democracy in Russia. She spoke out against Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning Western countries against making deals with him.

She highlighted the sacrifices made by her husband and other dissidents in challenging the Kremlin, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring the warnings of those speaking out against the dangers posed by Putin’s regime. Navalnaya’s impassioned speech underscored the urgent need to listen to the voices of those risking their lives for freedom in Russia.

Former German president Joachim Gauck presented the award to Navalnaya, praising Alexei Navalny’s bravery in standing up to the Russian government. A requiem for Navalny composed by Sergei Nevsky was performed during the ceremony, honoring his legacy as a fearless advocate for democracy.

Following her husband’s death, Navalnaya has taken on a leadership role in the Russian opposition, continuously speaking out against Putin’s abuses. In a recent video message, she condemned the Russian president as a “liar, thief, murderer,” and criticized his ongoing military offensive against Ukraine.

Accusations of Navalny’s murder by the Russian government have been denied by the Kremlin, but Navalnaya and her supporters remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. The award ceremony and Navalnaya’s powerful statements serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy in Russia despite harsh repression.