Timeline of the Alexei Navalny poisoning

Here are the main developments in the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, after Germany said French and Swedish laboratories had confirmed findings that he was sickened with a Novichok nerve agent.

The Kremlin has denied any involvement of the Russian state.

– Admitted to hospital –

On August 20, the 44-year-old lawyer and anti-corruption campaigner is hospitalised in intensive care in the Siberian city of Omsk after he lost consciousness while on a flight. His entourage says he has been poisoned, while Russian medics treating him say they have found “no trace” of poison in his blood or urine.

– Transferred to Berlin –

Two days later, in a medically induced coma, he is transferred to the Charite hospital in the German capital at his family’s request. The Russian medical team treating him had initially refused the move.

On August 24, German doctors say tests indicate poisoning.

The next day, the Kremlin says it is too early to determine whether Navalny has been poisoned.

On August 27, the Russian judiciary announces that it has launched a preliminary probe into the affair, while saying there is no proof of a poisoning.

The next day, the Berlin hospital says Navalny’s state of health has improved, but that he remains in a coma.

– ‘Novichok’ –

On September 2, Berlin says that medical tests carried out by a German army laboratory have yielded “unequivocal evidence” that Navalny was a victim of poisoning by Novichok, a Soviet-era chemical weapon. German Chancellor Angela Merkel seeks clarification from Moscow.

– International pressure –

NATO, followed by the European Union, demands an investigation.

On September 3, the Kremlin rejects claims that Moscow was behind the poisoning.

On September 4, a Russian toxicologist says that Navalny’s health could have deteriorated because of dieting, stress or fatigue, insisting no poison had been found in the tests conducted in Siberia.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg demands Moscow reveal its alleged Novichok programme to the global chemical weapons watchdog.

– Russia threatened with sanctions –

On September 6, Germany, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, says it will discuss possible sanctions against Russia if the Kremlin does not provide an explanation soon.

Merkel says she will not rule out consequences for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, a new and highly controversial connection that will take Russian gas directly to Germany via the Baltic Sea.

Russia accuses Germany of stalling efforts to probe Navalny’s case by failing to respond to a request by Russian prosecutors sent on August 27.

– Out of coma –

On September 7 the Kremlin denounces “absurd” attempts to blame the Russian state.

The Berlin hospital says Navalny emerges from a medically induced coma and is responsive.

The UN rights chief calls on Moscow to conduct or cooperate with a “thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation” into the attack.

On September 9, Russia protests Germany’s ‘unfounded accusations and ultimatums’ on Navalny. The United States says there was a strong chance the poisoning was ordered by senior officials in Moscow.

On the 11th, Russian police say they will ask Germany to allow their officers to question Navalny there.

– Laboratories confirm poisoning –

On September 14, laboratories in France and Sweden confirm Germany’s findings that Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.

French President Emmanuel Macron urges Putin by telephone to urgently shed light on the “attempted murder”.

Putin condemns “unsubstantiated” accusations.

In Russia, the political opposition claims a symbolic victory in regional elections, following polls dominated by the Kremlin’s United Russia party.

The Berlin hospital says Navalny’s condition is improving and he is able to get out of bed for brief periods.