"I hope he recovers quickly, and in case of an inquiry we will give him medical help, including in German hospitals, but the inquiry must come from there," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a meeting in southern France with President Emmanuel Macron.

Requires investigation

Navalny, a critic of President Vladimir Putin, was on a flight from the Siberian city of Tomsk to Moscow when he fell ill, which forced the plane to land in Omsk, where he is now in intensive care. Navalny's staff say his condition is serious.

Merkel says that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be investigated quickly and credibly.

- We insist on it, because what we have heard so far is very disadvantageous. It must be done very openly.

"Hope he can be saved"

Emmanuel Macron goes further than offering only care.

- We are clearly ready to give all the necessary help to Alexei Navalny and those close to him when it comes to health care, when it comes to asylum and protection, Macron says.

- I hope he can be saved, the president continues.