Sweeping sanctions aimed at Vladimir Putin’s “murderous machine” have been declared following a significant investigation that determined the Russian leader ordered the Salisbury poisonings. Tragically, Dawn Sturgess, a mother of three, passed away three weeks after unknowingly exposing herself to a lethal nerve agent called Novichok in July 2018. This substance was previously used in an attempt to assassinate former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.
The inquiry’s chairman, Lord Hughes of Ombersley, attributed moral responsibility for Dawn’s death to Putin. In response, the UK government has identified 11 Kremlin operatives and placed sanctions on the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency. The Russian ambassador has been summoned to the Foreign Office.
The Salisbury poisonings had a profound impact on the UK and led to a diplomatic standoff between London and Moscow. Dawn’s partner, Charlie Rowley, and Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey survived the attacks. The GRU, known for instigating chaos in Europe, orchestrated the assault on the Skripals in March 2018.
Keir Starmer commented on the findings, emphasizing the shocking nature of the Salisbury poisonings and condemning Russia’s aggressive behavior. He expressed sympathy for Dawn Sturgess’s family and underscored the UK’s commitment to holding Putin’s regime accountable.
Eight cyber military intelligence officers linked to the GRU and three individuals involved in planning attacks on civilians have been sanctioned. Security Minister Dan Jarvis affirmed that Dawn Sturgess was a victim of a dangerous chemical weapons attack orchestrated by Russia on British soil, emphasizing the need to uphold justice and ensure national security.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Putin and the GRU for their actions, labeling them as direct threats to British citizens’ safety and prosperity. She vowed to combat Russian aggression and enhance efforts to counter hostile activities.
The use of Novichok in the Salisbury incident violated the Chemical Weapons Convention and highlighted Russia’s blatant disregard for international norms. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed condolences to Dawn Sturgess’s loved ones and denounced the attack as an assault on the UK’s values and integrity.
The Foreign Office has imposed sanctions on 11 Kremlin operatives, including Denis Aleksandrovich Smolyaninov, Vladimir Lipchenko, Yuriy Alekseyevich Sizov, Boris Alekseyevich Antonov, Anatoliy Vladimirovich Istomin, Igor Andreyevich Bochka, Aleksey Andreyevich Umets, Denis Igorevich Denisenko, Dmitriy Yuryevich Goloshubov, Pavel Vyacheslavovich Yershov, and Nikolai Yuryevich Kozachek.