Five European countries believe Russia deliberately poisoned Alexei Navalny. He was a well-known Russian opposition leader. These countries presented laboratory results. They say the tests clearly show a strong poison called epibatidine. This poison was found in a sample from Mr. Navalny.
The countries have now reported Russia to a group called the OPCW. This group works against chemical weapons. The countries say Russia broke a rule about chemical weapons. This happened at the Munich Security Conference.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands made a statement. They said they strongly believe Mr. Navalny was poisoned. The science evidence from a tissue sample proves this. Epibatidine is a very dangerous poison. It can be made in labs.
Alexei Navalny died on February 16th. He was in an Arctic prison. He often spoke out against corruption. His death caused many people to be angry. His supporters thought his death was political. Now these countries agree.
The UK Foreign Office said Russia had the "means, motive, and opportunity" to use the poison. This suggests it was not an accident. It was meant to silence him.
Reporting Russia to the OPCW is a serious step. It could lead to more investigations. Epibatidine is a nerve poison. It can cause breathing problems and heart issues. It can be deadly.
This situation will likely increase tension between Russia and Europe. The OPCW will now look into these claims. Mr. Navalny's death and these accusations are worrying. They show the dangers for people who disagree with the Russian government.