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Did Russia really order the Salisbury attack?
According to a UK inquiry, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the 2018 Novichok attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury. The investigation concluded that Russian military intelligence agents, believed to be acting on Putin's orders, carried out the attack as part of a broader pattern of hostile actions. The UK government has imposed sanctions and called for accountability, emphasizing the high-level involvement of Russia.
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What evidence links Putin to the Salisbury poisoning?
The UK inquiry presented detailed evidence pointing to Russian state actors, including intelligence operations and the use of Novichok nerve agents. The investigation concluded that the operation was authorized at the highest levels of the Russian government, with specific links to military intelligence. While direct personal orders from Putin have not been publicly disclosed, the evidence strongly suggests state sponsorship and approval.
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How is the UK responding to Russia over this incident?
In response to the Salisbury attack, the UK has imposed sanctions on Russia, expelled Russian diplomats, and increased diplomatic pressure. The UK government also called in the Russian ambassador to express its condemnation and has worked with international partners to hold Russia accountable. These actions reflect ongoing tensions and the UK's stance against what it sees as reckless and hostile Russian tactics.
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Could there be more attacks like Salisbury?
There is concern that Russia may continue to use covert operations, such as nerve agent attacks or hybrid tactics, against perceived enemies or in geopolitical conflicts. The Salisbury incident is seen as part of a broader pattern of Russian covert activity, which includes cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other forms of hybrid warfare. Governments worldwide remain vigilant for similar threats.
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What is the broader impact of the Salisbury poisoning?
The Salisbury attack has significantly strained UK-Russia relations, leading to diplomatic expulsions and sanctions. It has also heightened global awareness of Russia's use of covert tactics and the risks of chemical and nerve agent attacks. The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by state-sponsored covert operations and the importance of international cooperation to prevent future incidents.