US statements expressing concern over the condition of jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny constitute unacceptable interference in Moscow’s internal affairs, the Kremlin said today.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he was unaware of the whereabouts of Navalny, who has been moved from the prison colony where he was being held to an undisclosed location.

“This is a prisoner who was found guilty (…) and who is serving his sentence. We consider any interference, especially from the United States, to be unacceptable“, said Peskov.

Yesterday Monday, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby called for Navalny’s immediate release, saying he “shouldn’t have been imprisoned in the first place.”

For its part, the EU today reiterated its call for the “immediate” release of Navalny, whose relatives have not heard from him for a week.

“Very disturbing news from Navalny who has been missing for seven days,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told X (formerly Twitter).

“Russian political leaders are responsible for his health and safety in prison and will be held accountable,” he added.

The EU reiterates its call for his release after his “politically motivated imprisonment”, he underlined.

Supporters of Navalny, who is serving a 19-year prison sentence, said yesterday that they had been trying in vain to contact him for nearly a week and did not know his whereabouts.