Alexei Navalny's wife Yulia on Sunday wrote her first social media post ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin's critic and the country's key opposition leader died in prison, an incident which triggered widespread criticism of the government.

Posting an image with the deceased Russian opposition leader, Yulia wrote: "I love you."

US, UK envoys pay floral tributes

Meanwhile, envoys of the US and the UK paid floral tributes to the deceased leader on Sunday.

US ambassador Lynne Tracy and Britain's Nigel Casey were pictured paying their respects at a memorial in Moscow, reported BBC.

Sharing an image of Lynne Tracy paying floral tribute to the Russian opposition leader, the US Embassy in Moscow posted on X: "Today at the Solovetsky Stone we mourn the passing of Alexey Navalny and all other victims of political repression in Russia."

"Our hearts go out to his family, friends and supporters. His strength is an inspiration. We honor his memory," the Embassy said.

Casey wrote on X: "In memory of Alexei Navalny @FCDOGovUK."

Meanwhile, rights group OVD-Info on Saturday claimed more than 400 people were detained by Russian authorities for paying tributes to President Vladimir Putin's key opponent Alexei Navalny across various cities in the country.

"401 DETAINED," the group said on its website.

It said people were detained across 36 cities in Russia.

What happened to Navalny?

47-year-old Alexey Navalny died in an Arctic prison on Friday (February 16, 2024).

He was serving a 19-year term.

Alexey Navalny felt unwell in prison after a walk and lost consciousness. He received all necessary resuscitation measures, but they did not yield positive results, the Federal Ptnitentiary Service stated as quoted by Russia's Sputnik news agency.

President Vladimir Putin did not comment on the issue since his death was announced.

Several world leaders, including Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden, have slammed Putin over the politician's death.