Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the UK: Moscow will have "the most powerful pressure" on London in the case of Skripal


MOSCOW, March 16. / TASS /. Moscow intends to lend "powerful pressure" to London on the case of poisoning former Colonel GRU Sergei Skripal in Salisbury. This was stated by the Russian ambassador to Great Britain Alexander Yakovenko on the air of the TV channel "Russia 24" on Friday.

"We will exert tremendous pressure on the British government on the merits of the matter, I am confident that we will not release them from this rut," he said.

Sergei Skripal, convicted of espionage in favor of the British special services, and his daughter Julia were exposed to a nerve agent on 4 March in Salisbury. Currently they are in hospital in critical condition.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, accusing Russia of "illegal use of force" in the kingdom, announced the expulsion of 23 Russian diplomats and other measures against Moscow. The Russian side categorically rejected its involvement in the incident and announced the adoption of reciprocal steps in the near future.

Yakovenko also said that Britain will have to answer for the destruction of relations with Russia.

"This time, the British will have to answer, in addition to their public opinion, for the collapse of Russian-British relations." Ultimately, this also speaks about the quality of the policy pursued in this country, including informing people that they are happening, "he said.

Yakovenko stressed that unfounded accusations against Russia would have unpleasant consequences for Britain.

The diplomat also recalled the series of deaths of Russians that occurred in Britain recently. According to him, businessman Alexander Perepelichny died under mysterious circumstances, like entrepreneur Boris Berezovsky. Then the Great Britain declared about his suicide. "And this is after Berezovsky sent several letters to Russia with a request to allow him to return," the ambassador said.

Link: http://tass.ru/politika/5036182