‘He didn’t live in vain’

Meduza’s Russian readers react to Alexey Navalny’s death

On February 16, the world learned of Alexey Navalny’s death. As the news spread, his supporters turned out in cities across Russia and around the world to commemorate him. Meduza asked our Russian readers to share what Navalny’s life and work meant to them, and we received hundreds of letters in response. We’ve translated some of the most noteworthy replies into English.

Lyubov

St. Petersburg

I thought of [Navalny] as a Russian superhero. One of my presidents [Boris Nemtsov] was killed, the other [Navalny] was in prison for our homeland, for truth, for honesty, for principles. Now, both have been killed.

Olesya

Moscow

He’s a madman, but he’s brave. It’s an example for everyone to face their fear. And the way his wife supports him is an ideal relationship.

I have mixed feelings. Grief for Alexey. Fear for those who remain in prison — who’s next? I feel hatred, which scares me. I hate those who give orders to kill pure and vibrant people, and those who carry out these orders, with all my heart. I feel helplessness — I don’t know what can be done to make things better in Russia. I feel hope — I still hope that the next generation will have a better life. That possibility has been taken from us.

Yegor

Vladivostok

There’s no need to despair; that’s exactly what the authorities are expecting. In a sense, Alexey reached the greatest height as a politician — he turned from an ordinary person into a symbol. And symbols and ideas live much longer than people.

Alexey’s family can and should be proud of him. He was a hero. One of the finest people living in modern Russia. My wish for them is that they get through every hardship and remain as brave and free as Alexey.

Nadezhda

St. Petersburg

He didn’t live in vain. He lived as a hero and died the same. Though the Kremlin and Putin desperately wanted to humiliate and intimidate him, they didn’t succeed.

All these small, pathetic little people working for the corrupt repressive machine — policemen, judges, secretaries in Putin’s offices, doctors who don’t provide assistance — they have the blood of this man on their hands. As well as the blood of many other political prisoners.

I really want Yulia and the children to be okay. At least them. To spite all these monsters, please live, live happily! Be joyful! Smile! I’m sure Alexey would want this very much.

Anastasia

Moscow

I’ve been having these horrible thoughts that there’s no point in a beautiful Russian future anymore because Alexey won’t see it. He deserved it more than anyone, and without him, it won’t be the same. It also seems like Russia was beautiful when he was free, could travel around the country and speak to us from the screen, and we didn’t appreciate it enough. I know he’d scold me for these thoughts, but I have them. I see no point in anything. I just have this pain that he’s no longer here.

Yulia, Dasha, Zakhar, I think of you every minute. There’s still the chance that he’ll see our country free through your eyes. And that keeps me going.

People in Russia need us more than ever now. Help us to continue our work.

Sergey

Moscow

Yulia, Zakhar, Dasha, you’re a wonderful family, and you should be proud of your husband and father. There are few people like Alexey in our time, unfortunately. Sacrificing one’s life for one’s beliefs is a very strong act of a very strong person. Be proud of him, and society should recognize him as a great politician and a sincere person. My deepest condolences.

Olga

Munich

It’s amazing how much you can do with almost nothing. Simply by existing and adhering to one’s own principles. Now, all his decisions are so understandable and obvious, how clearly they’ve lined up into a coherent narrative — into the only possible narrative. And this is the most important thing one person can do for another: convey a message, reach the very essence of our being. For me, this message is far from just about the country, power, and people. It's about freedom, self-awareness, and following one’s own path.

Ksenia

Moscow

A person with such bravery, charisma, straightforward and understandable language, with an image of Russia's future, couldn’t help but become the leader of all those who want better for their country, including myself.

When he returned to Russia after being poisoned, I understood his decision: because being a brave person and a true patriot of our country, he couldn’t be torn away from it. But I felt very sorry for him and his loved ones: it was clear that years of tribulations lay ahead, with no apparent way out, and possibly with a tragic ending. He’d still have chosen this path. There are people who let themselves burn up, giving light and warmth to others. He was — and remains — such a person in my heart.

Now, I’m grieving. And I feel love for my country. If the best among us are ready to die for it, then it’s worth the price.

People in Russia need us more than ever now. Help us to continue our work.