Putin’s man in Scotland hits out at ‘anti-Russian’ Sturgeon

VLADIMIR Putin’s man in Scotland has attacked Nicola Sturgeon for supporting an ‘anti-Russian’ campaign.

The consul-general in Edinburgh said the Scottish authorities had ‘unequivocally’ supported a ‘hostile standoff’ with Russia.

Andrey Pritsepov claimed Miss Sturgeon’s Government had backed Theresa May’s bid to ‘seriously aggravate relations further in pursuit of its unseemly political ends’.

The intervention was made hours after 23 Russian diplomats were expelled from the UK following the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

The pair remain critically ill in hospital after being exposed to Novichok, a nerve agent developed by the former Soviet Union.

The Prime Minister and government officials have blamed Russia for the attack in Salisbury –with Miss Sturgeon backing the action taken by the UK.

While her support has been welcomed by the Conservatives, yesterday Mr Pritsepov, hit out at the First Minister.

In a statement the Russian Consulate said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the poisoning and wished a complete recovery to the victims, including police officer Sergeant Nick Bailey.

But it added: ‘It is absolutely unworthy of the British Government to seek to seriously aggravate relations further in pursuit of its unseemly political ends, having announced a whole series of hostile measures, including the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats from the country.

‘By investigating this incident in a unilateral, non-transparent way, the British Government is again seeking to launch a groundless anti-Russian campaign. It is with much regret we have to note that the Scottish authorities have unequivocally provided their full support to this hostile standoff with Russia.

‘We are receiving warm messages of support from many residents of Scotland and want to thank them all profoundly.’

Miss Sturgeon and Mrs May met in London last week where they discussed the Salisbury attack.

Afterwards, the SNP leader said that they were ‘united in our condemnation of Russia’s actions.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘As the First Minister made clear last week, we are united in our condemnation of Russia’s actions, and have expressed support for the initial steps that the Prime Minister outlined.

‘As any legislation is brought forward we will scrutinise that carefully, but it is very clear that Russia cannot be permitted to unlawfully kill, or attempt to kill, people on the streets of the UK with impunity.’