Sergei Skripal, ex-Russian spy poisoned with Novichok in 2018, is back in headlines as UK blames Putin for his death.
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.
Two high-profile killings linked to Russia have occurred in recent months. A Russian pilot was shot dead in Spain after flying from Russia to Ukraine, with possible involvement of Russian operatives. Separately, a Western volunteer in Ukraine was tortured and killed by Russian soldiers, with convictions handed down in Russia. Both cases highlight ongoing covert operations and political tensions.