Putin ordered a Novichok attack, double agent Skripal tells the British Novichok investigation

Former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal believes Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his Novichok poisoning, he told an investigation Monday into the death of a woman who was unknowingly poisoned by the nerve agent.

Skripal, who sold Russian secrets to Britain, and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a public bench in the southern English city of Salisbury in March 2018 after Novichok was smeared on the front door handle of his home.

Four months later, Dawn Sturgess died from exposure to the poison after her partner found a counterfeit perfume bottle that police suspect had been used by Russian intelligence agents to smuggle the poison into the country.

The Skripals, and a police officer who went to Skripal’s home, became seriously ill from the effects of the military-grade nerve agent, but recovered, as did Sturgess’ partner Charlie Rowley. Russia has repeatedly rejected British accusations that it was involved.

Skripal has not spoken publicly since the attack, but an investigation into Sturgess’ death revealed a statement from him saying that he, like the British government, blamed Putin, although the former spy said that he had no concrete evidence for his accusation.

“I believe that Putin makes all the important decisions himself. I therefore believe that he must have at least authorized the attack on Yulia and me,” Skripal said in the statement read by public inquiry lawyer Andrew O’Connor.