In a recent interview, we delved into the poignant memoir of the late Russian activist Alexei Navalny, a work that not only serves as a personal account of his struggle against Vladimir Putin’s regime but also resonates as a warning to the global audience. Navalny’s memoir, titled “Patriot,” captures a blend of humor and sharp insight, illuminating his fierce opposition to the Kremlin.
Navalny’s ordeal began on a flight back to Moscow in August 2020, while watching his favorite cartoon, “Rick and Morty.” Just 21 minutes into the episode, he felt an overwhelming wave of illness. His candid reflection on that moment is chilling: “I’m done for.” After alerting a skeptical flight steward to the poisoning, he calmly lay in the aisle, likening his near-death experience to being “kissed by a Dementor” in a dark fantasy.
Throughout his memoir, Navalny does not shy away from his accusations against Putin, referring to him as a “bribe-taking old man” and a “vengeful runt” presiding over a “sinister regime.” Following an 18-day coma and recovery in Germany, he began penning his memoir, acutely aware of the risks. He stated, “If they do finally whack me, this book will be my memorial.”
While critics have labeled him a nationalist, “Patriot” emphasizes his calls for Russia to honor Ukraine’s borders, withdraw troops, and provide reparations. Tragically, Navalny met his likely fate in a remote Arctic penal colony in February of this year, at the age of 47. Reports have emerged that suggest he was poisoned, with authorities taking steps to conceal evidence.
His memoir stands as both a courageous personal narrative and a challenge to the Russian authorities. The translation by Arch Tait and Stephen Dalziel captures his sharp wit and steadfast spirit until the very end, as he infused his writing with a resilient good humor.
“Patriot” also outlines his vision for Russia’s future—a nation with free elections, a constitutional assembly, decentralization, and a tilt toward Europe. Before his death, Navalny expressed optimism that the Putin regime would eventually collapse, though he acknowledged the perseverance of autocracies.
With a background in law, Navalny first gained notice as a transparency advocate, using shareholder meetings to expose corruption in the oil and gas sectors. He founded the anti-corruption organization FBK, which galvanized support among young Russians. Despite relentless retaliation from the state—such as the imprisonment of his brother Oleg and physical assaults on him—Navalny remained undeterred. His heartfelt descriptions of his wife, Yulia, reflect a deep bond that sustained him throughout his trials.
When asked why he returned to Moscow, knowing the risks involved, Navalny emphasized that his commitment to transforming Russia into a normal state was his life’s mission. Early on, prison life seemed manageable, but conditions quickly deteriorated. Navalny’s writings convey both a profound understanding of his circumstances and a defiant stance against the injustices he faced, including inadequate medical care and constant surveillance.
As Navalny continued to document his experiences, his denouncement of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine became a central theme. He identified Putin’s motivations as stemming from a desperate grasp on power and an obsession with legacy. In conversations with Yulia during her visits, he expressed his fears of not surviving prison and articulated the heart-wrenching implications of that potential fate—never seeing his grandchildren, missing significant milestones, and possibly ending up in an unmarked grave.
Ultimately, Navalny’s tragic passing represents a significant loss, resonating deeply within Russia and beyond. His memoir serves as both a testament to his indomitable spirit and a cautionary tale about the fight for democracy and human rights.
