U.S. backs probe of Russian opposition leader's illness -Pompeo

The United States on Tuesday said it would back an EU-led investigation of the circumstances behind Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny's illness, adding that it was "deeply concerned" about preliminary findings that he was poisoned.

"If the reports prove accurate, the United States supports the EU's call for a comprehensive investigation and stands ready to assist in that effort," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. "Navalny's family and the Russian people deserve to see a full and transparent investigation carried out, and for those involved to be held accountable."