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Russian spy: What we know so far Russian spy: What we know so far
(7 days later)
The attempted murder of a former Russian double agent and his daughter on British soil has led to accusations of Russian state involvement.The attempted murder of a former Russian double agent and his daughter on British soil has led to accusations of Russian state involvement.
The British government has expelled 23 Russian diplomats and their families after Moscow refused to explain how a nerve agent was used against former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury on Sunday 4 March. Soon after the attack on Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury, Prime Minister Theresa May said the chemical used had been identified as being part of a group developed by Russia known as Novichok.
Yulia Skripal is now said to be conscious and talking in Salisbury District Hospital, while her father remains in a criticial but stable condition. The British government went on to expel 23 Russian diplomats and their families after Moscow refused to explain how a Russian-made nerve agent was used in the poisoning.
Prime Minister Theresa May said the chemical used in the attack had been identified as being part of a group of nerve agents developed by Russia known as Novichok. Twenty-nine countries expelled 145 Russian officials in solidarity with the UK - and Nato ordered 10 Russians out of its mission in Belgium.
US President Donald Trump has expelled 60 Russian diplomats, while Australia and a number of European countries have taken similar measures. Moscow initially responded in kind, expelling 23 British diplomats, 60 US diplomats and several from other countries. It has also closed the British Council in Russia and the British Consulate in St Petersburg.
Russia has responded in kind, expelling 23 British diplomats, 60 US diplomats and several from other countries. It has also closed the British Council in Russia and the British Consulate in St Petersburg. Russia then told the UK that more than 50 of its diplomats had to leave the country. Its ambassador in the UK said Moscow had no nerve agent stockpile.
In a statement issued through the Metropolitan Police, Yulia Skripal, who is being treated in Salisbury District Hospital, said her strength was "growing daily".
Her father remains in a critical but stable condition.
This is what we know so far.This is what we know so far.
Timeline of eventsTimeline of events
The investigation so farThe investigation so far
Police have been treating the case as attempted murder. Police believe the Skripals were "targeted specifically" and are treating the case as attempted murder.
Detectives believe the Skripals first came into contact with the nerve agent Novichok at the front door of their home. Detectives believe the pair first came into contact with the nerve agent Novichok at the front door of their home.
The police are now focusing much of their efforts on searches in and around the address but have reassured local residents "the risk remains low and our searches are precautionary". Traces of Novichok were also found at the Mill and Zizzi, where the Skripals spent the afternoon. Up to 500 people who visited the pub or the restaurant at the same time were told to wash their clothes and possessions.
A children's play area at Montgomery Gardens, near Mr Skripal's home, was cordoned off by police. Officers later focused searches in and around Mr Skripal's home and a nearby children's play area at Montgomery Gardens was cordoned off by police.
Traces of the nerve agent were also found at the Mill and Zizzi, where the Skripals spent the afternoon. Police have also appealed for anyone who saw the pair in Mr Skripal's red BMW - licence plate number HD09 WAO - on the morning of the attack.
Eyewitness Jamie Paine said he saw a woman on a bench frothing at the mouth and her eyes "were wide open but completely white". The car may have been around London Road, Churchill Way North and Wilton Road at about 09:15 GMT, police believe. At about 13:30 it was seen being driven down Devizes Road towards the town centre.
A doctor, who was shopping with her husband in the city centre on Sunday, said Ms Skripal was "slumped in her seat, completely unconscious" and had lost control of her bodily functions.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, head of counter-terrorism operations, said the Skripals had been "targeted specifically".
Up to 500 people who visited the pub or the restaurant on Sunday or Monday were told to wash their clothes and possessions to avoid any contamination.
Prof Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England, stressed the risk of harm was "low" but there was some concern that prolonged exposure over weeks and months could cause health problems.
There are 250 specialist counter-terrorism officers involved in the investigation.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said the "prime focus" of the investigation, which could take months, was how the poison was administered.
Police have appealed for any witnesses who saw the pair in Mr Skripal's red BMW - licence plate number HD09 WAO - on the morning of the attack.
Police believe the car may have been in the areas of London Road, Churchill Way North and Wilton Road at about 09:15 GMT. At about 13:30 GMT it was seen being driven down Devizes Road towards the centre of town.
A vehicle that is believed to have been used by Mr Skripal's friend to pick up Yulia from the airport on 3 March was removed from Durrington, Wiltshire, by the Army on 19 March.A vehicle that is believed to have been used by Mr Skripal's friend to pick up Yulia from the airport on 3 March was removed from Durrington, Wiltshire, by the Army on 19 March.
Officers have identified about 500 witnesses and taken "hundreds of statements". They are looking at more than 1,350 pieces of evidence and 5,000 hours of CCTV. Detectives have so far identified about 500 witnesses and taken "hundreds of statements". They are looking at more than 1,350 pieces of evidence and 5,000 hours of CCTV.
About 180 military personnel were deployed to help remove vehicles and objects which may have been contaminated. Witness Jamie Paine said he saw a woman on a bench frothing at the mouth and her eyes "were wide open but completely white".
A doctor, who was shopping with her husband in the city centre on Sunday, said Ms Skripal was "slumped in her seat, completely unconscious" and had lost control of her bodily functions.
The investigation has so far involved 250 specialist counter-terrorism officers and about 180 military personnel, who were deployed to Salisbury to help remove vehicles and objects that may have been contaminated.
Prof Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England, stressed the risk of harm to the public was "low" but there was some concern that prolonged exposure could cause health problems.
Personnel from the Defence Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Centre at Porton Down in Wiltshire identified the nerve agent.Personnel from the Defence Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Centre at Porton Down in Wiltshire identified the nerve agent.
Experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) arrived in the UK on 19 March to test samples of the chemical. Its head said the precise source of the nerve agent had not been verified, but it was likely to have been deployed by a "state actor".
The results are expected to take a "minimum of two weeks", the Foreign Office said. Experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are testing samples of the chemical.
Russia accused Britain of blocking access to the OPCW inquiry, but its proposal for a new, joint investigation was voted down at the international chemical weapons watchdog at The Hague on 4 April.
Russia lost the vote by 15 votes to six, while 17 member states abstained.
What are Novichok agents?What are Novichok agents?
The name Novichok means "newcomer" in Russian, and applies to a group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s.The name Novichok means "newcomer" in Russian, and applies to a group of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s.
Novichok's existence was revealed by chemist Dr Vil Mirzayanov in the 1990s, via Russian media. He says the nerve agents were designed to escape detection by international inspectors.Novichok's existence was revealed by chemist Dr Vil Mirzayanov in the 1990s, via Russian media. He says the nerve agents were designed to escape detection by international inspectors.
Professor Gary Stephens, a pharmacology expert at the University of Reading says Novichok is "a more dangerous and sophisticated agent than sarin or VX and is harder to identify".
Novichok agents are liquids, although others are thought to exist in solid form and could be dispersed as an ultra-fine powder.Novichok agents are liquids, although others are thought to exist in solid form and could be dispersed as an ultra-fine powder.
Some of the agents are also said to be "binary weapons", meaning the nerve agent is typically stored as two less toxic chemical ingredients that are easier to handle.Some of the agents are also said to be "binary weapons", meaning the nerve agent is typically stored as two less toxic chemical ingredients that are easier to handle.
When these are mixed, they react to produce the active toxic agent which can cause convulsions, shortness of breath, profuse sweating and nausea.When these are mixed, they react to produce the active toxic agent which can cause convulsions, shortness of breath, profuse sweating and nausea.
How has the government responded?How has the government responded?
The UK expelled 23 diplomats after Prime Minister Theresa May said Russia was "culpable" for the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter. The UK expelled 23 diplomats after Prime Minister Theresa May said Russia was "culpable" for the poisoning.
Mrs May said Russia had responded to the situation with "sarcasm, contempt and defiance" and not provided any credible reasons.Mrs May said Russia had responded to the situation with "sarcasm, contempt and defiance" and not provided any credible reasons.
She added there would be a "full and robust" response beyond what had been done for the Litvinenko poisoning case.She added there would be a "full and robust" response beyond what had been done for the Litvinenko poisoning case.
She announced a series of sanctions including: She announced sanctions including:
Mrs May added there were other measures ready to be deployed if the UK faces more "Russia provocation".
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "overwhelmingly likely" to have ordered the attack.Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "overwhelmingly likely" to have ordered the attack.
He also said the UK government had evidence Russia had been stockpiling the nerve agent used in the attack over the last 10 years and had investigated ways of delivering such weapons for assassination.He also said the UK government had evidence Russia had been stockpiling the nerve agent used in the attack over the last 10 years and had investigated ways of delivering such weapons for assassination.
After Russia announced sanctions of its own, Mrs May said the government would consider its next steps "in the coming days, alongside our allies and partners".After Russia announced sanctions of its own, Mrs May said the government would consider its next steps "in the coming days, alongside our allies and partners".
France, Germany, the US and UK said in a joint statement Russian involvement was "the only plausible explanation".
The European Council issued a statement agreeing, after talks in Brussels with Mrs May, that it was "highly likely" Russia was responsible.
US President Donald Trump has ordered 60 Russian diplomats to leave the country while the US state department has accused Russia of an "outrageous violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention".
In response to the US's actions, Russia has announced the expulsion of 60 US diplomats and the closure of the US consulate general in St Petersburg.
Canada has expelled four and rejected three further applications from Russia.
Germany, France and Poland are among 14 EU countries to have also expelled Russian diplomats. The Ukraine has announced 13 will be expelled while Albania, Norway and Macedonia have also ordered diplomats to leave.
Australia has thrown out two who are suspected of being "undeclared intelligence officers".
The EU has recalled its ambassador to Moscow "for consultations".
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the "UK is not alone" and Russia has underestimated the "resolve and unity" of the UK's allies.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting at the UK's request, where British deputy ambassador Jonathan Allen said Russia had used "a weapon so horrific that it is banned in war".
What has Russia said?What has Russia said?
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was not worried by international expressions of support for the UK and challenged Britain to "provide some confirmation".Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was not worried by international expressions of support for the UK and challenged Britain to "provide some confirmation".
He said: "Sooner or later, the British will have to show some proof to those 'colleagues' who say they are with UK on this; sooner or later will have to stand up its accusations."He said: "Sooner or later, the British will have to show some proof to those 'colleagues' who say they are with UK on this; sooner or later will have to stand up its accusations."
The Russian foreign ministry has called Mrs May's allegations "insane" and the Russian Embassy in Britain has described the order for diplomats to leave as "unacceptable, unjustified and short-sighted". The Russian foreign ministry has called Mrs May's allegations "insane" and the Russian Embassy in Britain described the order for diplomats to leave as "unacceptable, unjustified and short-sighted".
The Russian Ministry of Defence described UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson as a "vulgar old harpy" after he said Russia should "go away and shut up".The Russian Ministry of Defence described UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson as a "vulgar old harpy" after he said Russia should "go away and shut up".
Russia also said Mr Johnson's accusations that Mr Putin was most likely behind the attack were "shocking and unforgivable".Russia also said Mr Johnson's accusations that Mr Putin was most likely behind the attack were "shocking and unforgivable".
In response to the UK's sanctions, Russia's foreign ministry announced it would:In response to the UK's sanctions, Russia's foreign ministry announced it would:
It said it was responding to "provocative actions" by Britain. Russia later told Britain a total of more than 50 of its diplomats would have to leave the country.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the UK was "playing politics" and not taking into account an international pact on chemical weapons.Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the UK was "playing politics" and not taking into account an international pact on chemical weapons.
He said if the UK sends Moscow a formal request for an explanation under the Chemical Weapons Convention, Russia will respond within the set 10-day time limit. He said if the UK sent Moscow a formal request for an explanation under the Chemical Weapons Convention, Russia would respond within the set 10-day time limit.
Russia has also requested to be given a sample of the nerve agent used.Russia has also requested to be given a sample of the nerve agent used.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the UK was one of the most likely sources of the nerve agent, along with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden or possibly the United States.Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the UK was one of the most likely sources of the nerve agent, along with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden or possibly the United States.
She said a large number of ex-Soviet scientists had gone to live in the West, "taking with them the technologies that they were working on".She said a large number of ex-Soviet scientists had gone to live in the West, "taking with them the technologies that they were working on".
Russia's EU ambassador, Vladimir Chizhov, also suggested a UK research laboratory in Wiltshire could be the source of the nerve agent.Russia's EU ambassador, Vladimir Chizhov, also suggested a UK research laboratory in Wiltshire could be the source of the nerve agent.
What has the international reaction been?
France, Germany, the US and the UK said in a joint statement that Russian involvement was "the only plausible explanation".
The European Council issued a statement agreeing, after talks in Brussels with Mrs May, that it was "highly likely" Russia was responsible.
Some 145 Russian diplomats have now been expelled by mainly Western countries as their governments have rallied behind Britain.
US President Donald Trump ordered 60 Russian diplomats to leave the country, while the US State department has accused Russia of an "outrageous violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention".
In response to the US's actions, Russia expelled 60 US diplomats and closed the US consulate general in St Petersburg.
Canada has expelled four and rejected three further applications from Russia.
Germany, France and Poland are among 14 EU countries to have also expelled Russian diplomats. The Ukraine has announced 13 will be expelled while Albania, Norway and Macedonia have also ordered diplomats to leave.
Australia has thrown out two who are suspected of being "undeclared intelligence officers".
The EU has recalled its ambassador to Moscow "for consultations".
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the "UK is not alone" and Russia has underestimated the "resolve and unity" of the UK's allies.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting at the UK's request, where British deputy ambassador Jonathan Allen said Russia had used "a weapon so horrific that it is banned in war".
Who are the victims?Who are the victims?
Colonel Skripal is a retired Russian military intelligence officer who was convicted of passing the identities of Russian intelligence agents working undercover in Europe to the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, MI6.Colonel Skripal is a retired Russian military intelligence officer who was convicted of passing the identities of Russian intelligence agents working undercover in Europe to the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, MI6.
He was jailed for 13 years by Russia in 2006.He was jailed for 13 years by Russia in 2006.
In July 2010, he was one of four prisoners released by Moscow in exchange for 10 Russian spies arrested by the FBI. He was later flown to the UK.In July 2010, he was one of four prisoners released by Moscow in exchange for 10 Russian spies arrested by the FBI. He was later flown to the UK.
According to BBC Newsnight's diplomatic editor Mark Urban, in recent years Mr Skripal gave lectures at military academies offering insights into Russia's foreign military intelligence agency, the GRU. In recent years Mr Skripal is thought to have given lectures at military academies offering insights into Russia's foreign military intelligence agency, the GRU.
A friend from college, Vladimir Svyatski, described Mr Skripal as "very active, with a positive attitude and creative".A friend from college, Vladimir Svyatski, described Mr Skripal as "very active, with a positive attitude and creative".
A former colleague, Oleg Ivanov, told the BBC he was "the life and soul of party". Former colleague Oleg Ivanov told the BBC he was "the life and soul of the party".
His daughter, Yulia, would regularly travel to the UK from her home in Moscow to visit her father, relatives told the BBC. His current condition is described as critically ill but stable.
His daughter, Yulia, regularly travelled to the UK from her Moscow home to visit her father, relatives told the BBC.
"She told me she liked everything [in the UK]," childhood friend Irina Petrova said. "They had an amazing place, and amazing house.""She told me she liked everything [in the UK]," childhood friend Irina Petrova said. "They had an amazing place, and amazing house."
She had an "excellent" relationship with her father, Ms Petrova said, and had been the "perfect kid", getting excellent grades at school.She had an "excellent" relationship with her father, Ms Petrova said, and had been the "perfect kid", getting excellent grades at school.
Ms Skripal, who friends say worked for multinationals including Nike and PepsiCo, was "always smiling, just like her mother", Ms Petrova added.Ms Skripal, who friends say worked for multinationals including Nike and PepsiCo, was "always smiling, just like her mother", Ms Petrova added.
Sources told the BBC she had regained consciousness in Salisbury District Hospital and was able to talk. In a statement issued by the Met Police on 5 April, Ms Skripal said her strength was "growing daily".
It is not known what long-term effects she might suffer.It is not known what long-term effects she might suffer.
What else do we know about the family?What else do we know about the family?
Mr Skripal's wife, Liudmila, died in 2012 after suffering from cancer. His elder brother and son have died in the past two years.Mr Skripal's wife, Liudmila, died in 2012 after suffering from cancer. His elder brother and son have died in the past two years.
Some of the deaths, the family believe, were in suspicious circumstances.Some of the deaths, the family believe, were in suspicious circumstances.
His son, Alexander Skripal, died aged 43 last July in St Petersburg from liver failure. He is buried in Salisbury, close to his mother.His son, Alexander Skripal, died aged 43 last July in St Petersburg from liver failure. He is buried in Salisbury, close to his mother.
Mr Skripal's family deny that he worked for MI6 and believe that the espionage case was fabricated by Russia.Mr Skripal's family deny that he worked for MI6 and believe that the espionage case was fabricated by Russia.
On 5 April, an unverified recording purported to be between Yulia Skripal and her cousin, Viktoria Skripal, who lives in Russia, was broadcast on Russian TV.
In the recording, Viktoria said she hoped to travel to the UK to visit her relatives, if she can get a visa, but the voice said to be Yulia's tells her that no-one will give her one.
The Foreign Office said its Moscow embassy was expected to give Viktoria a visa and that she would be given full consular help in the UK.
Doubts have been cast on the authenticity of the recording.
Has this happened in the UK before?Has this happened in the UK before?
The possibility of an unknown substance being involved has drawn comparisons with the 2006 poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko.The possibility of an unknown substance being involved has drawn comparisons with the 2006 poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko.
The former Russian intelligence officer died in London after drinking tea laced with a radioactive substance.The former Russian intelligence officer died in London after drinking tea laced with a radioactive substance.
A public inquiry concluded that his killing had probably been carried out with the approval of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.A public inquiry concluded that his killing had probably been carried out with the approval of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
An investigation by Buzzfeed News claims that there have been at least 14 deaths in the UK that US officials suspected were connected to Russia.An investigation by Buzzfeed News claims that there have been at least 14 deaths in the UK that US officials suspected were connected to Russia.
Do you have any information to share on this story? Do you have any questions you'd like us to investigate? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Do you have any information to share on this story? Do you have any questions you'd like us to investigate? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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