The UK government’s report on the murder of Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko says it was probably ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is likely to further dent ties with Britain and other Western powers at a time when Moscow’s role in Syria is acquiring increasing importance. The report into the probe, which was headed by a judge, reaffirms that ex-KGB spy Litvinenko died of poisoning by radioactive polonium-210 used to lace his tea. The Russian was killed in London’s Millennium Hotel where two FSB agents met him in 2006. The investigation report blames Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun for the killing that came to viewed as a Cold War-style operation.
The report came on a day President Vladimir Putin blasted Bolshevik revolutionary and Communist icon Vladimir Lenin for sowing the seeds for the Soviet Union’s destruction. Responding to a remark about the founder of the Communist International, Putin quipped that letting one’s ideas guide a country’s progress was all right, but Lenin’s views —meant to lead the Soviet Union — brought about its fall. The Russian president talked about a figure who existed decades ago, but didn’t address an issue that has been directly attributed to him.
The Kremlin was dismissive of the UK inquiry report, going to the extent of calling it a joke. “More likely it can be attributed to fine British humour — the fact that an open public inquiry is based on the classified data of special services, unnamed special services, and that the verdict which has been made on the basis of this flimsy data has been made public with the copious use of the words ‘probably’ and ‘likely’, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
It is not surprising that Moscow has responded with scorn to the probe. According to his widow Marina, Litvinenko had named the Russian state for the killing that was covered extensively in the British press and drew international headlines.
Sections of the report have been redacted to keep classified information under wraps. London summoned Russian Ambassador over the report. British Prime Minister David Cameron was cautiously guarded in his response. He said the UK would have to go on having “some sort of relationship with Russia” because of the Syria crisis, but it would be done with “clear eyes and a very cold heart”.
Cameron’s response shows the dilemma his government is in over its relationship with Russia in light of the report. Britain has decided not to slap sanctions on Moscow. Understandably, it is the foothold Moscow has gained in war-ravaged Syria, that is guiding London’s decision.
Putin has again been targeted by a Western power. This is going to make things difficult for Moscow and the West alike. While this will lead to increasing Russia’s isolation, Western nations would find themselves hobbled in dealing with Putin and Russia’s geopolitical moves.
The UK government’s report on the murder of Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko says it was probably ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is likely to further dent ties with Britain and other Western powers at a time when Moscow’s role in Syria is acquiring increasing importance. The report into the probe, which was headed by a judge, reaffirms that ex-KGB spy Litvinenko died of poisoning by radioactive polonium-210 used to lace his tea. The Russian was killed in London’s Millennium Hotel where two FSB agents met him in 2006. The investigation report blames Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun for the killing that came to viewed as a Cold War-style operation.
The report came on a day President Vladimir Putin blasted Bolshevik revolutionary and Communist icon Vladimir Lenin for sowing the seeds for the Soviet Union’s destruction. Responding to a remark about the founder of the Communist International, Putin quipped that letting one’s ideas guide a country’s progress was all right, but Lenin’s views —meant to lead the Soviet Union — brought about its fall. The Russian president talked about a figure who existed decades ago, but didn’t address an issue that has been directly attributed to him.
The Kremlin was dismissive of the UK inquiry report, going to the extent of calling it a joke. “More likely it can be attributed to fine British humour — the fact that an open public inquiry is based on the classified data of special services, unnamed special services, and that the verdict which has been made on the basis of this flimsy data has been made public with the copious use of the words ‘probably’ and ‘likely’, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
It is not surprising that Moscow has responded with scorn to the probe. According to his widow Marina, Litvinenko had named the Russian state for the killing that was covered extensively in the British press and drew international headlines.
Sections of the report have been redacted to keep classified information under wraps. London summoned Russian Ambassador over the report. British Prime Minister David Cameron was cautiously guarded in his response. He said the UK would have to go on having “some sort of relationship with Russia” because of the Syria crisis, but it would be done with “clear eyes and a very cold heart”.
Cameron’s response shows the dilemma his government is in over its relationship with Russia in light of the report. Britain has decided not to slap sanctions on Moscow. Understandably, it is the foothold Moscow has gained in war-ravaged Syria, that is guiding London’s decision.
Putin has again been targeted by a Western power. This is going to make things difficult for Moscow and the West alike. While this will lead to increasing Russia’s isolation, Western nations would find themselves hobbled in dealing with Putin and Russia’s geopolitical moves.
