Democratic Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado has joined the chorus of politicians blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison last week. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Bennet stated on “Fox News Sunday” that there is no doubt Putin was responsible for Navalny’s death.
He emphasized that Putin deliberately timed the incident during the Munich Security Conference to demonstrate his disregard for international opinion. Navalny, aged 47, was serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges and had recently been transferred to a high-security prison in Russia.
President Biden has also held Putin accountable for Navalny’s death, denouncing it as further evidence of Putin’s brutality. This tragic event has occurred as Russia’s conflict with Ukraine approaches its second anniversary, with Putin displaying increased confidence in the ongoing war.
Backing for Ukraine has polarized opinion in the United States, leading to a deadlock among legislators over sending further assistance to the beleaguered nation. The Senate recently approved an emergency defense funding bill that allocates $60 billion in support for Ukraine. Yet, its prospects in the House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, are uncertain. The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, hesitates to present the bill for a vote, citing the absence of border security measures previously requested by GOP members.
Senator Bennet has reiterated his call for increased aid to Ukraine, emphasizing its importance in pushing back against Putin’s illegal invasion. He argues that funding Ukraine is the most significant action the United States can take at this moment to counter Russian aggression and protect a free country in Europe.
During the interview, the issue of President Biden pausing approvals for some liquefied natural gas exports was raised, with concerns that this decision could empower Putin to seek alternative sources in Europe instead of relying on American supplies. Bennet criticized this pause as a short-sighted decision, expressing his disagreement with President Biden’s approach.
He emphasized the importance of American liquefied natural gas replacing Russia’s supply in Europe, highlighting the economic benefits of the United States selling its natural gas. Bennet believes that the energy sector, including clean energy and fossil fuels, is a significant strategic strength for the United States.
