Putin ordered Skripal novichok poisonings in show of ‘Russian power’, Dawn Sturgess inquiry finds

Key Concepts

• Novichok: A class of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union.
• GRU: Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate, a military intelligence agency.
• Assassination Attempt: A planned attack to kill a prominent individual.
• Inquiry: A formal investigation into an event.
• Military-grade Chemical Weapon: A chemical substance designed for use in warfare.
• Sanctions: Penalties imposed by one country on another.
• Hostile Activity: Actions taken by one state against another that are considered aggressive or threatening.

Dawn Sturgis's Death and the Novichok Poisonings

This summary details the findings of an inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgis, a Wiltshire mother who died seven years after the Novichok poisonings in Salisbury. The inquiry concluded that her death was "needless and arbitrary" and that she was an "entirely innocent victim of the cruel and cynical acts of others."

The Salisbury Novichok Attack (March 2018)

• Target: Former Russian spy Sergey Skripal.
• Perpetrators: Two Russian GRU agents, who were later identified and captured on CCTV in Salisbury, claiming to be tourists.
• Method: The agents are accused of smearing a military-grade chemical weapon, Novichok, on the front door handle of Sergey Skripal's home.
• Immediate Aftermath: Sergey and his daughter, Julia, were found slumped on a bench hours later. They ultimately survived the attack.
• Wider Impact: Over 80 other individuals attended A&E, and a police officer was hospitalized.

Dawn Sturgis's Death (Four Months Later)

• Circumstances: Dawn Sturgis's boyfriend, Charlie Rowley, made 999 calls reporting that she was "frothing at the mouth" after spraying what she believed to be perfume on herself.
• Contaminated Item: The substance was later identified as Novichok, contained within a bottle that was potent enough to kill thousands.

The £8.3 Million Inquiry

• Duration and Scope: The inquiry heard evidence from 40 witnesses over seven weeks.
• Key Findings:
  • The three Russian agents who attacked Sergey Skripal with a chemical weapon were authorized at the "highest level."
  • These agents and President Vladimir Putin were found to be "morally responsible" for Dawn Sturgis's death.
  • Failings were identified by the British state in the "management of Skripal as an exchanged prisoner." However, the inquiry agreed with the assessment at the time that Skripal was not a "significant risk of assassination."
  • Regarding Dawn Sturgis's treatment, the inquiry ruled that she received "entirely appropriate medical care" and that her condition was "in fact unsurvivable from a very early stage."

Russia's Response and Repercussions

• Denial: Russia has consistently denied any involvement in the assassination attempt against the Skripals or Dawn Sturgis's subsequent death.
• Consequences of the Inquiry:
  • Fresh repercussions against Russia, including sanctions against the GRU intelligence unit.
  • The Russian ambassador was summoned to the UK Foreign Office.
• UK Government Statement: The report was described as clear, stating that "moral responsibility lies with Putin" and that it is "further evidence of the shocking and reckless hostile activity on UK soil."

Skripal's Status and Risk Assessment

• Putin's Description: Skripal was described by Putin as a "traitor" and convicted of treason.
• Risk Assessment Failings: The inquiry highlighted that there were "no sufficient and regular assessments of the risk he faced from Russian retaliation." This was seen by Dawn's family as having "put the British public at risk and led to Dawn's death."

Conclusion and Impact

• Dawn's Family: For Dawn's family, the inquiry provided answers after a "long wait." They expressed a desire to "have Dawn back now" and to "finally put her to peace," seeking "some closure."
• Salisbury: The city of Salisbury is keen to move on from being at the "center of world attention."
• UK-Russia Relations: The findings represent "another increase in growing tensions" in UK-Russia relations.

Notable Quotes

• "Her death was needless and arbitrary. She was the entirely innocent victim of the cruel and cynical acts of others." (Inquiry findings on Dawn Sturgis's death)
• "The inquiry found that the three Russian agents who attacked Sergey Skripal with a chemical weapon were authorized at the highest level." (Inquiry findings)
• "They and President Vladimir Putin were morally responsible for Dawn Sturgis's death." (Inquiry findings)
• "This report is clear. Moral responsibility lies with Putin and it's further evidence of the shocking and reckless hostile activity on UK soil." (UK Government statement)
• "As we have always believed, that put the British public at risk and led to Dorne's death." (Dawn's family on risk assessment failings)
• "We can have Dawn back now. She's been public for seven years. We can finally put her to peace." (Dawn's family)