The Alexei Navalny Prize
Award Ceremony
16 February
This award celebrates those whose ideas and actions are changing Russia for the better
2026 Laureate
Semyon Kochkin
Founder of the independent regional project Angry Chuvashia
Angry Chuvashia helps people connect with one another and, together, resist injustice and abuse of power
Semyon launched the project together with a team of like-minded collaborators as an independent platform for open and honest discussion about what is happening in Chuvashia, a republic in central European Russia and homeland of the Chuvash people.
Angry Chuvashia investigates corruption and abuses of power, highlights the crisis in the social sector, and shows how the war is affecting the region and the lives of ordinary people.
A large and engaged community has grown around the project.
Today, Angry Chuvashia reaches tens of thousands of readers and remains one of the largest regional opposition media outlets in Russia.
Great change begins with small, purposeful steps
The prize takes the shape of a cube — a tribute to the iconic campaign cubes used in Navalny’s election efforts. These simple structures became a powerful symbol of grassroots activism. Through Alexei’s leadership, a vast volunteer network emerged, with dozens of campaign offices and rallies held across the country. His efforts inspired hundreds of thousands to engage in politics for the first time.
All who fight for a free and peaceful Russia are continuing Navalny’s legacy
Created in his memory, the prize honours those who take responsibility for Russia’s future and help society move forward.
It is more than a recognition of past achievements — it is a call to action. The Alexei Navalny Prize serves as a powerful reminder that each of us can be part of the change.
Past winners
Zaodno platform for mutual aid
Zaodno — “Together” — supports people in Russia who are targeted for their political beliefs. On the platform, you can support individual people directly — cover legal fees, pay fines, or send money to families who have lost their income due to criminal cases or administrative persecution. The 2025 Navalny Prize laureates donated the monetary part of the award to support political prisoners in Russia.
Photo by Evgeny FeldmanIn honour of a man who gave his life for the truth
Alexei Navalny, the leader of the Russian opposition, inspired millions with his courage and ideas
In 2024, Putin killed Navalny. But millions remain — people who, thanks to Alexei, found their way into politics, learned to unite, to stand up for their rights, and to support one another. People who, even in the darkest times, refuse to stay silent. This prize is for them.
Choosing the laureate
The winner of the prize is chosen by Alexei Navalny’s close family: his wife Yulia, his daughter Dasha, and his brother Oleg. The prize can be awarded to either individuals or entire initiatives.
Each year, one laureate is selected to receive €10,000 and a commemorative statuette. In 2025, the laureate was announced on 4 June — Alexei Navalny’s birthday.
The Navalny Prize: A Collective Act of Hope
Every project led by Alexei Navalny was made possible through private donations — a powerful testament to their value to society. The prize that carries his name is no different.
If you believe in supporting those working to change Russia, you can contribute to the prize fund. The standard award is €10,000, but if we raise more, the prize sum will be adjusted accordingly.
All funds raised will go toward organising the prize and awarding the laureate.