Russia calls poisoning accusations ‘nonsense’

LONDON — Russia on Tuesday dismissed accusations of any involvement in the poisoning of an ex-spy and his daughter as “nonsense,” saying it will only co-operate with a British investigation if it receives samples of the nerve agent believed to have been used. Police, meanwhile, said the investigation of who poisoned Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, will last many weeks and that they are not ready to identify any persons of interest in the inquiry. The father and daughter remain in critical condition in a Salisbury hospital. British Prime Minister Theresa May said Russia’s involvement is “highly likely” and she gave the country a deadline of midnight Tuesday to explain its actions in the case.