US sanctions for Russia over spy poisoning

THE UNITED States will impose sanctions on Russia for its use of a nerve agent in an attempt to kill a former Russian spy and his daughter in the UK.

The State Department last night said the sanctions will be imposed on Russia because it used a chemical weapon in violation of international law.

Downing Street welcomed the new sanctions, after former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned by Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent, in Salisbury in March.

Britain has accused Russia of being behind the attack, which the Kremlin vehemently denies.

Since the March attack, two other British nationals with no ties to Russia have been poisoned by the substance.

Following a 15-day congressional notification period, the sanctions will take effect on or around August 22, according to a statement from the State Department.

Responding to the US announcement over Russia, a Downing Street spokesman said the sanctions sent an “unequivocal message”.

The spokesman said: “The UK welcomes this further action by our US allies.

“The strong international response to the use of a chemical weapon on the streets of Salisbury sends an unequivocal message to Russia that its provocative, reckless behaviour will not go unchallenged.”

Dawn Sturgess died on July 8 after she and her partner Charlie Rowley, 45, both fell ill at the end of June. It is believed they were also exposed to the Novichok nerve agent in Wiltshire.