Donald Trump has damaged his silence on the demise of Russian opposition chief Alexei Navalny - however prevented casting blame on President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Trump, who drew criticism for praising the Russian ruler throughout his presidency, spoke out in a publish on his social media platform Truth Social.
The former US president wrote on Monday: "The sudden death of Alexei Navalny has made me more and more aware of what is happening in our country.
"It is a gradual, regular development, with CROOKED, Radical Left Politicians, Prosecutors, and Judges main us down a path to destruction. Open Borders, Rigged Elections, and Grossly Unfair Courtroom Decisions are DESTROYING AMERICA."
He added: "WE ARE A NATION IN DECLINE, A FAILING NATION! MAGA2024."
Latest updates: Navalny's household instructed his physique will likely be held for 2 weeks
However, his assertion was criticised by political rivals, together with fellow Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley.
She wrote on X: "Donald Trump could have condemned Vladimir Putin for being a murderous thug. Trump could have praised Navalny's courage.
"Instead, he stole a web page from liberals' playbook, denouncing America and evaluating our nation to Russia."
It comes after Mr Navalny died on Friday whereas serving a 19-year jail sentence on costs his supporters mentioned had been politically motivated.
Several world leaders, together with US President Joe Biden, have pointed the finger of blame immediately at Mr Putin, whereas Mr Navalny's spouse has mentioned she believes he was poisoned on the Russian president's orders.
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Russia's authorities has rejected allegations it was concerned in his demise, with the Kremlin criticising the response within the West as "unacceptable" and "absolutely rabid".
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Speaking on the White House on Friday, Mr Biden mentioned: "Russian authorities are going to tell their own story.
"But make no mistake. Make no mistake. Putin is chargeable for Navalny's demise.
"We don't know exactly what happened, but there is no doubt that the death of Navalny was a consequence of something that Putin and his thugs did."
Canadian chief Justin Trudeau additionally mentioned his demise was a reminder of "exactly what a monster Putin is".
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour opposition chief Sir Keir Starmer didn't point out the Russian president after they issued their preliminary reactions to Mr Navalny's demise final week.
In related statements posted on social media, the pair each described what occurred as "terrible news," praised Mr Navalny's "courage" and despatched their sympathies to his household.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron additionally mentioned on Friday: "Putin should be [held] accountable for what has happened - no one should doubt the dreadful nature of his regime."
Content Source: information.sky.com
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