Litvinenko was killed by Russian spies, inquiry finds
DAVID Cameron could face a fresh diplomatic row with Vladimir Putin today as a report into the murder of Alexander Litvinenko blames two former Russian agents for his death.
The independent inquiry will say the men should face trial for poisoning the dissident and former KGB spy with radioactive polonium at a London hotel in 2006.
Chairman Sir Robert Owen may even find the Kremlin liable for his death – which would cause yet another chill in Anglo-Russian relations.
Mr Cameron will face growing calls to impose sanctions on high- profile individuals in Russia if the Kremlin refuses to extradite Andrey Lugovoy and Dmitry Kovtun, the alleged assassins.
There is overwhelming evidence linking the pair to the murder but both deny any involvement and Russian president Mr Putin has so far refused to extradite them. The death marked a post-Cold War low point in Anglo-Russian relations.
Currently, the Foreign Office is eager to avoid a full-blown row, partly because Mr Putin’s co-operation is badly needed in the fight against Islamic State terrorists. Mr Litvinenko’s wife Marina, who has led a ten-year campaign for justice, believes sanctions should be imposed.
The 52-year-old said she is certain vital information has been suppressed by Moscow. She said: ‘Questions have been raised about Mr Putin [that] he needs to answer. He gave Lugovoy an honour, he made him an MP, he made him a TV star. He obviously appreciated Lugovoy’s activities.’
Last night the couple’s son Anatoly told how the memory of his father’s death when he was 12 remains ‘painful’. The 21-yearold told the BBC: ‘I try not to think too much about it ... it’s easier that way.’
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said those responsible should be subject to a ban on travelling to the UK and excluded from the British banking system.
Litvinenko, 43, a fierce critic of Mr Putin, had been working with MI6 and other agencies in the UK. Last night Mr Putin’s spokesman said the Kremlin had no interest in the findings of the inquiry.