Navalny's condition is improving, says Berlin hospital

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Credit: AFP Photo

The condition of poisoned Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has improved and he is being weaned off mechanical ventilation, Berlin's Charite hospital said on Monday in a statement.

Navalny's induced coma could be stopped and he is reacting to speech, the hospital added. "Long-term damage due to the severe poisoning cannot be ruled out."