Yulia Navalnaya

Profession: Activist

Biography: Yulia Navalnaya is a Russian activist known primarily for her role in supporting her husband, opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and her involvement in Russian politics. Since marrying Navalny in 2000, she has been a visible presence alongside her husband, earning the moniker "First Lady" of the Russian opposition.

Navalnaya's activities escalated in response to Navalny's poisoning in 2020, activism against the Russian government, and speculation about her potential future in politics, especially after Navalny's death in 2024.

Navalnaya was born in Moscow and graduated from the Plekhanov Russian Economic Academy. She worked at a Moscow bank before shifting focus to family and household management after 2007. She and Alexei Navalny have two children.

Navalnaya entered into politics with her husband, actively participating in his efforts and later becoming an outspoken critic of the Russian government.

In August 2020, Navalnaya's life changed course when Navalny was thought to have been poisoned. She negotiated his transfer to a German hospital for treatment and challenged the Russian medical assessments. After Navalny's death in February 2024, she expressed doubts about the official reports.

Navalnaya has faced detention for her political activism, notably during her participation in the 2021 Russian protests. Her determination and public statements have led to comparisons with significant female political figures internationally and have earned her public admiration, including recognition by the media as the 2020 Hero of the Year.

Despite threats, Navalnaya maintains her stance against Russia and continues to be recognized for her influence, ranking in Echo of Moscow's top hundred most influential women in Russia. Her political future remains a subject of speculation amidst widespread support and media attention.

Born: July 24, 1976
Birthplace: Moscow, Soviet Union
Age: 48 years old

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Leo