“I think about things less. There are fewer dilemmas in my life, because there is a book in which, in general, it is more or less clearly written what action to take in every situation. It’s not always easy to follow this book, of course, but I am actually trying. And so, as I said, it’s easier for me, probably, than for many others, to engage in politics....Navalny didn't have to return to Russia once he was in the West. He knew he'd be arrested and probably knew he'd be tortured and killed if he went back, but he did it anyway.
'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.'
I’ve always thought that this particular commandment is more or less an instruction to activity. And so, while certainly not really enjoying the place where I am, I have no regrets about coming back, or about what I’m doing. It’s fine, because I did the right thing. On the contrary, I feel a real kind of satisfaction. Because at some difficult moment I did as required by the instructions, and did not betray the commandment.” ~ Alexei Navalny, 2021
Such courage is as breathtaking as is the evil of men like Putin who would kill men like Navalny purely for political advantage.
Navalny grounded his decision in his assurance of an eternal reward. Putin no doubt hopes there is no eternal reward.