Russian Politician Yulia Navalnaya’s Speech at WebSummit Interrupted by Protesters

Ukrainian activists disrupted Yulia Navalnaya’s speech at the Web Summit 2024 in Lisbon by sounding an air raid siren during her address. Navalnaya, the wife of late Russian politician Alexei Navalny, was invited to speak on themes of digital dissent and authoritarianism.

The incident was documented and shared on social media by Lviv-based blogger and activist Kristina Zhuk, who organized the demonstration. She posted two videos from the event—one capturing the moment the siren blared during Navalnaya’s speech, and another where activists are heard shouting “Stop Russia” and “Stop the War.”

Zhuk expressed satisfaction with the protest’s outcome, noting, “Our voice was heard. This is a reminder of what awaits Russian citizens across the globe.” Zhuk had previously encouraged Ukrainians to participate in the protest to draw attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Web Summit, a prominent tech conference founded in Dublin in 2009 by Irish entrepreneur Paddy Cosgrave, relocated to Lisbon in 2016. Known for addressing topics in internet technology, marketing, and investment, the event attracts CEOs, specialists, and public figures worldwide. Notably, past speakers have included Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk.

Navalnaya was scheduled to speak on two panels: “Dictators and Digital Dissent” and “Standing Up to Autocrats.” According to the Web Summit’s website, she was invited as “a powerful voice for democracy and human rights.” Official Web Summit channels did not comment on the protest, and Navalnaya has yet to publicly respond.