Russia Rejects Findings of Salisbury Poisoning Inquiry as Tensions Heighten
Russia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom has dismissed the conclusions of a recent investigation into the 2018 death of Dawn Sturgess, asserting that Russia was not involved in the incident linked to the Salisbury poisoning attack. This rejection comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Why It Matters
The investigation implicated Russian President Vladimir Putin as "morally responsible" for Sturgess’s death, linked to a nerve agent used in a separate attack on former spy Sergei Skripal. Ambassador Andrei Kelin’s response not only signals Moscow’s defiance but also raises concerns about escalating diplomatic tensions, which could further complicate international efforts for peace amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key Developments
- Ambassador Kelin’s Statements: Kelin characterized Sturgess’s death as tragic but reiterated that Russia had no connection to the incident.
- Claims of British Staging: The ambassador alleged that the poisoning of Skripal and his daughter was orchestrated by British authorities, suggesting a convoluted plot reminiscent of literary works by Ian Fleming and Agatha Christie.
- Absence of Evidence: Kelin did not provide any supporting evidence for his assertions about British involvement.
- UK Government’s Position: In contrast, the UK government and investigative journalists have offered substantial evidence implicating Russian military intelligence in the attacks.
- Verification by International Bodies: The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed that novichok, the nerve agent used, was exclusively developed by Russia.
- Impact on Ukraine Peace Talks: Kelin suggested that the timing of the inquiry’s report was intended to derail ongoing peace discussions regarding Ukraine, expressing concern over the potential for broader conflict.
Full Report
Investigation Findings
The inquiry concluded that Vladimir Putin likely authorized the use of the nerve agent involved in Sturgess’s death, indicating a direct link to the Kremlin. In a report released earlier, it was stated that two agents from Russia’s military intelligence, identified as Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, were responsible for transporting the nerve agent to the UK. They had allegedly used the same nerve agent to poison Skripal, whose daughter and another civilian, Charlie Rowley, were also affected by the incident.
Ambassador’s Defense
Kelin rejected the official findings, claiming no connection between Russia and the tragic events surrounding Sturgess’s death. He expressed concern over the possibility of increasing war tensions in Europe and claimed the UK government may be attempting to divert attention from critical negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Remarks on Conflict Potential
When questioned about the risk of war between Europe and Russia, Kelin affirmed that recent statements from European leaders had heightened his apprehensions. He cited remarks from President Putin indicating a reluctance to engage in war with Europe, yet emphasized Russia’s preparedness to respond if provoked.
Context & Previous Events
In March 2018, Sergei Skripal, a former double agent for the UK, was poisoned in Salisbury alongside his daughter, Yulia. The investigation into these events has implicated GRU agents and highlighted the use of novichok, a nerve agent developed by Russia. Dawn Sturgess, who came into contact with the remaining agent, died shortly after the incident, prompting further inquiries into Russia’s actions and intentions.
