Russia denies being behind Salisbury poisonings and warns of danger of war with Europe

Key Concepts

• Skripov Case: A tragic death, described as a staged, multi-stage operation by British services.
• Provocation: Allegations that the Skripov incident was a carefully staged provocation by British services.
• Ukrainian Conflict: Discussion of efforts to settle the conflict in Ukraine and the role of Russia.
• Territorial Integrity: The stance of Ukraine on not giving up territory, and Russia's justification for its actions.
• "Nazi Regime in Kyiv": Russia's characterization of the Ukrainian government, citing alleged discrimination against Russian speakers and suppression of language and religion.
• Remilitarization: Concerns about remilitarization slogans in European capitals and their potential to escalate conflict.
• Preparedness for War: Russia's stated preparedness for war if Europe initiates it.

Skripov Case: Allegations of Staged Operation

The discussion begins with a statement characterizing the death of Dawn (presumably Dawn Sturgess, a victim in the Skripov case) as a "tragic death." The speaker asserts that Russia has "nothing to do with it." A significant claim is made that the events leading to Dawn's death were a "very staged multi-stage operation designed by a very talented dramatist." This is further elaborated as a "carefully staged provocation by British services," described as having a "very elaborated script" created by "very talented professionals," though it is also noted as being "a bit outdated" and reminiscent of authors like Jan Fleming or Agatha Christie.

Evidence and Counter-Arguments

A direct challenge is posed regarding the evidence for these claims. The interviewer contrasts the Russian ambassador's argument of British government involvement with "no evidence" against the British government's "whole raft of evidence implicating two Russian military agents," including travel records, passport records, CCTV footage, and OPCW findings on the use of a nerve agent. The Russian ambassador expresses belief in the "common sense of British people" and avoids going into specific details, suggesting that the questions raised are contained within their own put-forward inquiries.

Geopolitical Motivations and the Ukrainian Conflict

A key argument presented is that the Skripov incident is being used to "derail" efforts to settle the Ukrainian conflict. It is suggested that the aim is to "show to the United States that... there are difficulties with Russia."

The conversation then shifts to the conflict in Ukraine. The head of the Ukrainian armed forces is quoted as stating that it would be "unacceptable to simply give up territory as demanded by Vladimir Putin." The interviewer points out that this is "Ukrainian territory, not Russian."

The Russian ambassador counters by stating that Russia has taken "Russian people living on this territory under our umbrella" and is helping them, preventing "discrimination that has been done by the NAT regime in Ke."

The interviewer directly asks if the war could end if the Russian president ordered his armed forces to leave Ukraine. The response is that it would end if "Ukrainian forces will leave Donbas or if Russia left Ukraine." Russia's refusal to leave is justified by the inability to abandon "Russian speaking and Russian people for the mercy of Nazi regime in Ke," which is accused of having "banished yesterday Russian language in the parliament" and prohibiting churches, language, and education.

Personal Concerns and Looming Conflict

The interviewer inquires about personal feelings regarding the possibility of a "looming conflict at some point with Russia." The Russian ambassador expresses being "worried" due to "remilitarization slogans pronounced in many European capitals" that "do not want to understand what is happening right now." While acknowledging "appeals from the generals or ministers of defense," the ambassador emphasizes that "common sense also should lead us" to resolve the problem of Ukraine being used as an "instrument to Russia."

Escalation of Tensions

When asked if there is a "greater chance now of war between Europe and Russia than there's been in your career," the response is affirmative. This is attributed to statements about the "need to prepare for a war." The ambassador concludes by stating that Russia "do not want to wage a war against Europe but if Europe would like to wage a war against Russia then we are prepared."