MOSCOW: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny , in his first public comments after his alleged poisoning in Siberia last month, said Tuesday he was able to breathe unaided.
"Hello, this is Navalny," he said in a post on Instagram, appearing with his wife Yulia and two children in the Berlin hospital where he was flown for treatment after falling ill.
Wearing a hospital gown, he looked gaunt and barely smiled while his wife next to him beamed.
"Yesterday I was able to breathe on my own all day," he said in his first social media post since he was poisoned with what Germany says was a Novichok nerve agent.
"I really liked it. It's an amazing process and underestimated by many. I recommend it," he joked, telling followers, "I miss you".
The 44-year-old lawyer and outspoken Kremlin critic fell ill on a flight from the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow after a trip to support opposition candidates in local elections.
Germany said Monday that French and Swedish labs had independently confirmed findings by doctors in Berlin that Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent.
Navalny's allies say the use of the banned chemical weapon means that only the Russian state could be responsible.
Russia has angrily dismissed the findings, saying its doctors found no trace of poison.
Despite international calls for Russia to carry out a transparent investigation or risk sanctions, it has not opened a criminal probe.
Moscow, Washington boost military expenditure to reach $109 and $916 billion, respectively
Welsh journalist, presenter leaves BBC after 40 years of service
African-American commentator is not liked by many people but adored by others
Indian Prime Minister accused for hateful comments against Muslims
US President is observing Earth Day with special announcement
US President launches "climate corps" for green jobs