National security Advisor Sullivan: 'Consequences' for Russia if Navalny dies in prison

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during an interview on CNN's State of the Union said that Russia will face consequences if Alexei Navalny dies in prison.

"Well first, we joined with the European Union and many other like-minded democracies around the world to impose sanctions for what the Russian government has done to Navalny, for the use of a chemical weapon against him which is in contravention of international law," Sullivan said. "Second, we have communicated to the Russian government that what happens to Mr. Navalny in their custody is their responsibility and they will be held accountable by the international community." Sullivan added that "we have communicated that there will be consequences if Mr. Navalny dies."

The Russian opposition leader has been engaged in a hunger strike since March 31 in connection with what he describes as improper treatment by prison guards, according to USA Today.

"People usually avoid the word 'dying'. But now Alexey is dying. In his condition, it is a matter of days," Russian opposition press secretary Kira Yarmysh tweeted Saturday, according to the outlet, which linked to a Russian language tweet.