Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has been a pillar of strength and support throughout her husband’s fight against the Russian government led by Vladimir Putin.
Theirs was a love story that captured the hearts of many, with their unwavering bond and commitment to each other evident in the way she remained by his side until his untimely death in prison on February 16, 2024.
Yulia, who has been described as the “First Lady” of the Russian opposition, was born on July 24, 1976, in Moscow, and even had a brief stint working as her husband’s personal assistant. She stood by his side through thick and thin, tirelessly advocating for his release and updating the media and the public about his condition when he fell seriously ill after being poisoned while in Germany.
The couple, who married in 2000, had two children together, Daria and Zakhar. Their 20th wedding anniversary was bittersweet, marked by Alexei’s coma after being poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.
Despite numerous challenges and legal battles, Yulia remained a steadfast supporter of her husband, often facing arrest and fines for protesting and advocating for his release.
Yulia’s life and relationship with Navalny reflected unwavering devotion and love, even in the face of persecution and adversity.
She will be remembered not just as the wife of a political dissident but as a formidable force in her own right, who stood by her husband’s side until the very end.
