UK accuses Putin of ordering Novichok poisonings in Salisbury

The inquiry into the novichok poisonings in Salisbury, UK, has revealed significant insights into the attack that occurred on March 4, 2018. Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were poisoned with a nerve agent, which has been linked to a broader pattern of state-sponsored assassination attempts. The inquiry is particularly focused on the death of Dawn Sturgess, who was poisoned four months later, raising concerns about the potential for innocent victims in such operations. A senior official from the Foreign Office testified that the British government believes President Vladimir Putin personally authorized the attack, given the political sensitivity surrounding Skripal, a UK citizen targeted on British soil. This assertion is supported by Skripal's own statements, where he expressed his belief that Putin makes all significant decisions and must have granted permission for the assassination attempt. The inquiry has highlighted the reckless nature of the operation, with evidence suggesting that the poison was carelessly discarded in a public area, posing a risk to the general population. The barrister leading the inquiry described the circumstances of Sturgess's death as extraordinary and indicative of a gross disregard for human life. As the inquiry continues, it aims to uncover the full extent of the events surrounding the poisonings and the implications for international relations, particularly between the UK and Russia, in light of these serious allegations against the Russian state.