German doctors say tests suggest Putin critic Navalny was poisoned

• The Berlin hospital said only that doctors found "cholinesterase inhibitors" in his system — a wide categorization that could encompass substances ranging from household insecticides to VX nerve gas.

What they're saying: "In view of Mr. Navalny’s major role in Russia’s political opposition, the country’s authorities are urgently called upon to fully investigate this act as a matter of urgency — and to do so in a completely transparent way," German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a joint statement.

• "Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice."

The backdrop: Navalny became seriously ill shortly after boarding a flight last Thursday to Moscow from Siberia, where he met with opposition politicians.

• An aide traveling with him alleged that poison was added to tea he ordered at the airport. The plane made an emergency landing in Omsk, Siberia.
• Police quickly assembled at the hospital — though authorities said they were not investigating a possible crime — and doctors said they found no signs of poison in his system.
• After authorities initially refused to allow him to travel abroad for treatment, Navalny was flown to Germany.