Russia’s “Nelson Mandela” dead as Putin eyes Stalin’s record rule…

Supporters of Russia's Nelson Mandela are crushed that he will never take that long walk to freedom now. Alexei's Navalny's death has sparked outrage across the world as it comes in the wake of a series of mysterious deaths of critics of President Vladimir Putin. It also comes on the eve of the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a war in which the ruling African National Congress ((ANC) in South Africa has stuck to the side of its longtime ally, Russia. Deaths and announcements have just bounced off Putin, who is looking strong enough to be re-elected for a fifth term, thereby possibly matching the long rule of Joseph Stalin. Listen to these issues being discussed by Max Seddon, the FT's Moscow bureau chief. He was hosted by Josh Gabert-Doyon on the FT's News Briefing. Meanwhile, ANC support for Russia is not likely to waver - especially not after the party has allegedly been bailed out once again by a Russian oligarch.