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A damning UK inquiry has concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin probably approved
the 2018 poisoning of Dawn Sturgess with the nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury, England. The report, released Thursday, directly links the attack to a prior attempt on the life of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia. This finding represents a significant escalation in accusations against the Kremlin regarding state-sponsored assassinations on foreign soil.
The inquiry, led by the Baroness Heather Hallett, determined that the operation to poison the Skripals was deliberately reckless
and that the subsequent death of Sturgess, who unknowingly came into contact with the contaminated substance, was a direct result. The Novichok was applied to the door handle of Skripal’s home in March 2018.
The Salisbury Poisonings: A Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| march 4, 2018 | Sergei & yulia Skripal poisoned in Salisbury |
| March 11, 2018 | novichok identified as the nerve agent used |
| June 30, 2018 | Dawn Sturgess & Charlie Rowley poisoned |
| July 8, 2018 | Dawn Sturgess dies |
| december 6, 2018 | Two alleged GRU agents indicted |
| February 29, 2024 | Inquiry report published |
The report identifies two agents of russia’s GRU military intelligence - Alexander Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga – as responsible for carrying out the attack. They traveled to the UK under false identities. While the inquiry could not definitively prove Putin issued a direct order, it found that the operation was almost certainly approved at a senior level
within the Russian state. the Guardian
Did You Know?
Novichok is a class of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.It is significantly more potent than earlier nerve agents like Sarin.
the inquiry’s findings are based on extensive evidence, including intelligence assessments, witness testimony, and forensic analysis. the report details how the GRU agents meticulously planned and executed the operation, demonstrating a clear intent to kill. The contamination of the door handle was not a precise operation, leading to the unintended exposure of Sturgess and her partner, Charlie Rowley.
Pro Tip:
understanding the context of the skripal case requires recognizing Sergei Skripal’s history as a former Russian intelligence officer who defected to the UK.
International Response & Implications
the UK government has consistently accused Russia of being behind the attack and has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the GRU. The findings of this inquiry are likely to further strain relations between the two countries. The incident prompted widespread international condemnation and led to the expulsion of numerous Russian diplomats from various countries.
The inquiry’s report underscores the dangers posed by state-sponsored assassinations and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. It also raises serious questions about the rule of law and the protection of citizens in democratic societies. The investigation highlights the lengths to which the Russian state is willing to go to silence its critics and enemies.
