Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to engage in a prisoner exchange with the West, which might have included Alexei Navalny.

Allegations have surfaced that Putin may have ordered Navalny's assassination to prevent such an exchange, following Navalny's death in a Siberian prison.

The potential prisoner swap also concerns Vadim Krasikov, a Chechen convicted of murder in Germany, with Putin suggesting a trade for an American journalist held in Russia.

Navalny's death has sparked substantial protests in Moscow, with tens of thousands demonstrating against Kremlin policies and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Putin is poised to possibly extend his tenure until 2030, currently leading an uncontested presidential election after a history of quelling opposition and independent media.