What's happened
On December 4, 2025, a UK public inquiry concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack targeting former spy Sergei Skripal, which led to the death of Dawn Sturgess. The UK government sanctioned Russia's GRU intelligence agency and summoned the Russian ambassador amid ongoing tensions over Russia's hostile activities.
What's behind the headline?
The Kremlin's Recklessness and Its Consequences
The inquiry's findings unequivocally place moral responsibility for the Novichok attack on President Vladimir Putin and the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU. This attack was not a covert retaliation but a brazen public demonstration of Russian state power, recklessly endangering innocent lives beyond the intended target.
Implications for UK-Russia Relations
The UK's decisive response—sanctioning the entire GRU and summoning the Russian ambassador—signals a firm stance against state-sponsored aggression. This incident exemplifies the ongoing hybrid warfare tactics Russia employs, extending beyond Ukraine into Western soil.
Security and Intelligence Lessons
While the inquiry acknowledged some failings in Skripal's security management, it deemed the risk assessment reasonable at the time. However, the death of Dawn Sturgess highlights the catastrophic consequences of underestimating such threats and the need for enhanced protective measures for defectors.
Geopolitical Context and Future Outlook
The timing of the report amid fading hopes for a Ukraine peace deal underscores the persistent tensions between Russia and the West. The UK's actions will likely harden diplomatic divides and may prompt further retaliatory measures from Moscow, perpetuating a cycle of hostility.
Impact on Public Perception and Policy
This inquiry reinforces the narrative of Russia as a state willing to flout international law and human life to assert its interests. It will bolster calls within the UK and allied nations for sustained vigilance, intelligence sharing, and robust countermeasures against Russian espionage and covert operations.
What the papers say
The New York Times detailed the inquiry's conclusion that the assassination attempt "must have been authorized at the highest level, indeed by President Putin," emphasizing the reckless nature of the attack and its broad danger to innocent people. The Independent highlighted the inquiry's finding that Putin bore "moral responsibility" for Dawn Sturgess's death and noted the UK government's sanctions against the GRU and individuals linked to hostile Russian activities. Sky News reported on the official government response, including the summoning of the Russian ambassador and the sanctioning of the GRU "in its entirety," while also covering Russia's denial and accusations of British fabrication. The Moscow Times and Al Jazeera provided context on the attack's execution and the inquiry's assessment of the GRU agents involved, underscoring the diplomatic fallout and ongoing tensions. These sources collectively illustrate a consensus on Russia's culpability, the UK's firm response, and the broader geopolitical ramifications, while also presenting Russia's denials and counterclaims, offering readers a comprehensive view of the complex narrative.
How we got here
In March 2018, former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury, England. Four months later, Dawn Sturgess died after unknowingly coming into contact with the same nerve agent from a discarded perfume bottle. The attack severely strained UK-Russia relations and triggered diplomatic expulsions and sanctions.
Go deeper
- What evidence links Putin directly to the Novichok attack?
- How has the UK government responded to the inquiry's findings?
- What are the implications for UK-Russia relations going forward?
Common question
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Did Russia Really Authorize the Salisbury Poisoning?
The Salisbury attack in 2018 shocked the world, with UK officials accusing Russia of orchestrating the nerve agent attack on ex-spy Sergei Skripal. But what evidence links Russia, and specifically President Putin, to this incident? Many are asking whether Russia truly authorized this deadly operation and what it means for international relations today. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding the Salisbury poisoning and its ongoing implications.
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What’s Next for Russia and the West?
The recent developments between Russia and Western nations have raised many questions about future relations, potential sanctions, and ongoing conflicts. With high-profile incidents like the Salisbury poisoning and the Ukraine war, people are eager to understand what might happen next. Below, we explore key questions about the current state of international affairs involving Russia and the West, offering clear insights into what to watch for in the coming weeks.
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Did Putin Really Order the Novichok Attack?
The UK government has concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack that targeted former spy Sergei Skripal. This has raised serious questions about Putin's involvement and the broader implications for international relations. Below, we explore the key details of the inquiry, the response from Russia, and what this means for global diplomacy.
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Stay updated with the top headlines shaping the world right now. From international politics and celebrity insights to natural disasters and legal developments, these stories are capturing attention worldwide. Curious about how these events connect or where to find the latest updates? Keep reading for a comprehensive overview of today's most important news.
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Why is Putin held responsible for the Novichok attack?
The recent UK public inquiry has concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury, which targeted former spy Sergei Skripal. This has raised questions about Russia's role in international espionage and chemical attacks. Below, we explore why Putin is held responsible, how this impacts UK-Russia relations, and what the broader implications are for global security.
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Sergei Viktorovich Skripal is a former Russian military intelligence officer who acted as a double agent for the UK's intelligence services during the 1990s and early 2000s.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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The poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, also known as the Salisbury poisoning, was a failed assassination attempt to poison Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military officer and double agent for the British intelligence agencies in the city of Salisbur
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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