Thousands of Russians bravely defied authorities' warnings to gather and pay their respects to opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in jail on February 16th. Despite fears of a crackdown, mourners gathered in Moscow's Maryino area, chanting slogans against President Vladimir Putin and expressing support for Navalny. Foreign leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, commended the attendees for their courage.

The memorial service at the Church of the Icon of Our Lady Quench My Sorrows saw a large turnout, with Navalny's family present, although his widow and children are believed to be abroad due to safety concerns. Navalny's widow, Yulia, vowed to continue his political work. The funeral procession was broadcast online since independent media coverage is limited in Russia.

Navalny's burial at Borisovskoye cemetery was accompanied by music chosen to honor his memory, reflecting his personal tastes. Despite concerns of widespread arrests, the response from authorities was not as harsh as anticipated, although some arrests were reported. Surveillance measures were observed, raising concerns for attendees' safety in the days following the funeral.

The event marked one of the largest opposition gatherings in Russia since Navalny's imprisonment in 2021, highlighting the significant support he commanded. With Navalny's absence, the future of opposition movements in Russia remains uncertain.