The News Agents The inside story of the Salisbury poisonings
84 snips
May 30, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, journalist Mark Urban, known for his expertise in Russia and defense, and Amber Rudd, the former UK Home Secretary who managed the crisis, delve into the shocking Salisbury poisonings. They share firsthand accounts of the immediate response to the attack on Sergei Skripal and the political chaos that ensued. Hear about the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess, the diplomatic fallout with Russia, and how this incident shaped subsequent intelligence strategies and international relations amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
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Skripal’s Defection Story
- Sergei Skripal was a Soviet-era military intelligence officer who defected to the UK and gave valuable intelligence.
- He felt safe in the UK due to a pardon and lack of surveillance at his home in Salisbury.
Strategic Attribution Caution
- The UK government carefully avoided premature public attribution of the Salisbury poisoning to Russia.
- This strategic caution aimed to maintain credibility and strong evidence before making accusations.
Novichok Use As State Signature
- The Kremlin’s use of Novichok in the Skripal attack served as a signature to mark the Russian state’s involvement.
- Sending operatives with flimsy cover showed intent to signal state responsibility.
