Retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman argued that former President Trump’s recent comments about NATO are likely a “contributing factor” in the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
“Donald Trump invited Vladimir Putin to attack NATO. I would say that that probably was a contributing factor in the calculus around the assassination of Navalny,” Vindman told MSNBC’s Michael Steele Friday.
Vindman’s comments come just a week after Navalny died in prison. The Biden administration has blamed Russia’s government for the death, but Russia has said he died of natural causes.
“I’m possibly the next president and think you’re dreamy, Vlad” absolutely emboldens him and killing Navalny sends the message that he heard him loud and clear.