Skripal would be dead if Russia had poisoned him, says Putin
VLADIMIR PUTIN suggested Sergei Skripal would have “died on the spot” had Russia been behind his poisoning.
As the former spy was discharged from hospital yesterday, the Russian president wished Mr Skripal “good health”. Less than three months ago he and his daughter had nearly died in the Salisbury nerve agent attack.
The 66-year-old was released from Salisbury District Hospital and moved to a secure location just 10 weeks after he and his 33-year-old daughter, Yulia, were poisoned by Novichok.
Theresa May, the Prime Minister, blamed Moscow for the attack, something it consistently denied.
Following Mr Skripal’s release, Mr Putin said: “God grant him good health.” He then added: “If a militarygrade poison had been used, the man would have died on the spot. Thank God he recovered.” Mr Skripal was taken to hospital on March 4, after he and his daughter, visiting him from her home in Moscow, took ill during a Sunday afternoon stroll in Salisbury.
It was initially feared they would not recover. But Yulia was allowed to leave hospital last month and doctors said her father had responded “exceptionally well” to treatment.
Scotland Yard said investigations continued, adding: “This is complex and detectives continue to piece together the evidence to establish the full facts and circumstances behind this dreadful attack.” Det Sgt Nick Bailey, who was one of the first officers to attend Mr Skripal’s home after the incident, was also treated for the effects of the nerve agent, but was discharged within days. Paying tribute to the efforts of the staff at Salisbury District Hospital, where all three were treated, Lorna Wilkinson, director of nursing, said: “We have been able to discharge Sergei Skripal. This is an important stage in his recovery, which will now take place away from the hospital.
“Treating him and the other two people poisoned by this nerve agent, while still providing outstanding care to the other patients who rely on our hospital, has been a huge and unprecedented challenge that I’m proud our staff have risen to.”
Cara Charles-barks, the hospital chief executive, added: “It is fantastic news that he’s well enough to leave. This has been a difficult time for the patients, our staff and the people of Salisbury.”
Mr Skripal and his daughter are now likely to be under witness protection and could even be given new identities.