The officer Denis Sergeev has been charged by the British police for the attempted murder of the former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury in 2018. Skripal was a double agent and was tried to be liquidated by the Russian intelligence service GRU.
– Sergeev supported the preparations behind and the use of the nerve agent novichok in Salisbury – and had a coordinating role from London during the attack, says a statement from the British authorities.
Skripal and his daughter Julija were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury in March 2018. British authorities believe Russian intelligence smeared novichok on the handle of Skripal’s front door.
British police have charged three Russian citizens, including Sergeev, in their absence for the attempted murder. The British believe these are GRU officers. Skripal has stated that he believes the assassination was carried out on direct orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin, while the Russian authorities deny that they are involved.
Sanctions have also been introduced against several people linked to the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which, among other things, is waging war in the Sahel and the Middle East.
#Britain #introduces #sanctions #Russia #Russians
**Interview with Expert on Recent UK Sanctions Against Russian Military Officer**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. As we know, the UK has sanctioned Russian military officer Denis Sergeev in connection with the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter. What do you think this means for the ongoing tensions between the UK and Russia?
**Expert:** Well, the sanctions are a significant move by the UK to hold those involved in the poisoning accountable. It underscores a broader strategy to confront Russian aggression and interference. However, it also risks escalating tensions further, especially if Russia responds retaliatorily.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point. Given the evidence that British authorities have suggested implicates officials within the Russian intelligence services, do you believe these measures will succeed in deterring future actions by Russia?
**Expert:** It’s hard to say. Sanctions can have a psychological impact but often failed to deter state actors like Russia that have shown a willingness to engage in covert operations regardless of international law. It may not be enough to change behavior, but it does send a signal of condemnation.
**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on public opinion regarding such sanctions? Do you think the average citizen supports more aggressive actions like these, or is there a growing concern about the implications of further sanctions?
**Expert:** Public sentiment is typically mixed. Many people support sanctions and tougher stances against perceived aggression, especially given the high-profile nature of the Skripal case. However, there is also concern about the long-term implications for international relations and potential retaliatory measures from Russia. It raises an important question: Is it worth increasing tensions for the sake of accountability?
**Interviewer:** For readers, do you think there is a consensus on how the UK should balance accountability with the risks of escalating conflict? What are your views?
**Expert:** That’s a compelling question to ponder. Engaging in a debate about whether sanctions equate to justice or simply escalate the conflict could lead to varying opinions. The challenge lies in finding a sustainable approach that promotes both accountability and stability in international relations. I invite readers to consider their stance: Should countries take strict measures against such acts, even if it heightens global tensions, or should diplomacy reign despite these provocations?
