UK declares sweeping sanctions in opposition to Russia after Dawn Sturgess ruling

Sweeping sanctions targeting Vladimir Putin‘s “murderous machine” have been announced after a probe revealed the Russian despot ordered the Salisbury poisonings.

Mum-of-three Dawn Sturgess, 44, died three weeks after spraying herself with a discarded bottle of deadly nerve agent Novichock, which she thought was perfume, in July 2018. Her partner Charlie Rowley also fell ill, but survived, as did Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey and former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who were poisoned four months earlier by Novichok left on the knob of their front door.

The Government confirmed that the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, is now sanctioned in its entirety. The UK has sanctioned and exposed 11 actors behind Russian state sponsored hostile activity, including those working for the GRU. The Russian Ambassador has been summonsed to the Foreign Office to answer for Russia ’s ongoing campaign of hostile activity against the UK.

For the latest on the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry findings, click here

Keir Starmer said: “The Salisbury poisonings shocked the nation and today’s findings are a grave reminder of the Kremlin’s disregard for innocent lives. Dawn’s needless death was a tragedy and will forever be a reminder of Russia’s reckless aggression. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

“The UK will always stand up to Putin’s brutal regime and call out his murderous machine for what it is. Today’s sanctions are the latest step in our unwavering defence of European security, as we continue to squeeze Russia’s finances and strengthen Ukraine ’s position at the negotiating table.”