Putin Ordered Novichok Nerve Agent Attack on Ex-Spy, UK Inquiry Concludes

A UK public inquiry has concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the 2018 nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal. The landmark report states the assassination attempt was a reckless state action that led to the death of an innocent British woman. The findings represent the most direct official accusation against the Russian leader for the attack on British soil.

The inquiry chair stated the evidence of Russian state involvement is “overwhelming.” He said the operation to kill Skripal “must have been authorised at the highest level, by President Putin.” This conclusion was reported by Reuters and other major news agencies following the report’s release.

Reckless Attack Left Trail of Poison and Death

Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury, England in March 2018. They survived after being critically ill from exposure to the military-grade Novichok nerve agent. Investigators said the poison was smeared on the handle of Skripal’s home door by Russian military intelligence (GRU) officers.

In a tragic twist, a local woman, Dawn Sturgess, died months later. Her partner found a discarded perfume bottle containing the Novichok. The inquiry said the operatives discarded the bottle with “astonishingly reckless” disregard for public safety. The bottle contained enough poison to kill thousands of people.

Diplomatic Fallout and New Sanctions Announced

The UK government responded swiftly to the inquiry’s findings. It announced new sanctions against the GRU and summoned the Russian ambassador. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would always stand up to Putin’s “brutal regime.” Relations between London and Moscow were already at historic lows following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has consistently denied any involvement in the attack. The Russian embassy in London rejected the latest accusations as “baseless.” It accused Britain of trying to disrupt peace talks regarding Ukraine. Despite denials, the inquiry asserts the attack was a public statement of Russian power and willingness to act.

The inquiry’s conclusion solidifies the official view that the Putin-ordered Novichok attack was a state-sponsored assassination attempt with tragic collateral damage, further deepening the rift between Russia and the West.

Info at your fingertips

Who was Sergei Skripal?

Sergei Skripal was a former Russian military intelligence officer. He was convicted in Russia of spying for the UK before being moved to Britain in a 2010 spy swap.

What is Novichok?

Novichok is a group of advanced nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union. They are highly lethal and persist in the environment, making them exceptionally dangerous.

How did the UK inquiry reach its conclusion?

The inquiry cited overwhelming evidence from police, intelligence, and forensic investigations. It traced the attack to a GRU team and found no plausible alternative explanation to state involvement.

What has been Russia’s response?

Russia has consistently denied any role in the poisoning. It labels the accusations as a politically motivated smear campaign and anti-Russian propaganda.

What were the wider consequences of the attack?

The incident triggered massive diplomatic expulsions between Russia and Western nations. It severely damaged relations and set a precedent for hostile state actions on foreign soil.