Nikki Haley: Russia Responsible for Nerve Agent Attack on Former Spy in Britain

The United States representative to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, stated at a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, March 14, that Russia is responsible for the nerve agent attack on a former spy and his daughter in Britain. Haley emphasized that the Security Council must respond to this issue. She stated, "The United States believes that Russia is responsible for the attack on two individuals in Britain using a nerve agent." British police announced on March 4 that Sergei Skripal, a former colonel in the Russian military intelligence service, and his daughter were targeted with a nerve agent. They are still hospitalized in intensive care and their condition has been reported as critical. Meanwhile, Vasily Nebenzya, the Russian ambassador to the UN, again denied Moscow's involvement in the attack on Skripal and his daughter during the Security Council meeting. The Russian ambassador further stated that they demand to be provided with samples of the substances used in the attack for investigation. British Prime Minister Theresa May, addressing the Parliament, identified Russia as the perpetrator of the attack and gave Moscow until midnight Tuesday to explain the incident. Following Russia's disregard for this request, May announced on Wednesday that London has decided to expel 23 Russian diplomats and sever high-level relations between the two countries. Simultaneously, the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Britain was canceled. Moscow viewed London's reaction as a sign of a confrontational policy being adopted by Britain and stated that it would soon respond with reciprocal measures. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, "The British government has chosen a confrontational policy towards Russia." The Russian Foreign Ministry added that May's statements were "unprecedentedly provocative and insulting and undermine the basis of bilateral relations and dialogue between the two countries." In this statement, the British government was accused of pursuing a policy of "destroying relations," describing its actions as "hostile" and adding, "Our reciprocal response will be announced soon." On the same day, May announced that no members of the royal family or British government ministers would attend the World Cup matches to be held in Russia next summer. In another part of the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement, it was said: "We consider the actions of the British government, which will further damage relations between the two countries, completely unacceptable and inappropriate." A senior member of the Russian parliament also stated that the accusations against Russia regarding the poisoning of the former spy are part of London's efforts to strengthen its position in the international arena. Konstantin Kosachev, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian parliament, condemned the British government's decision as a "hostile" act, stating, "This is a dirty game aimed at consolidating Britain's position as an important player in international politics." He added that Russia had no motive for this poisoning and that Britain has not yet been able to provide any evidence of Russia's involvement in this matter. The head of the upper house of the Russian parliament also called on the Russian government to respond decisively to the actions of the British government. Valentina Matviyenko stated just hours after the British government's decision, "The British have declared us guilty without providing any evidence. This is unprecedented, and I believe such behavior is not found in diplomatic norms. Therefore, Russia must respond quickly and decisively and in proportion to Britain's actions." At the same time, the British government warned its citizens planning to travel to Russia that they may encounter anti-British sentiments. The British Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that individuals traveling to Russia should be fully aware and avoid commenting on political issues and the disputes between the two countries. It is expected that thousands of British football fans will travel to Russia to watch their national team's matches.