The UK is seeking action against Russia after evidence confirmed that Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader, was killed with frog poison, according to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Cooper stated that the use of the toxin is a "clear breach" of international chemical weapons rules, and the UK wants to see action taken, which could include coordinated sanctions on Russia. This statement was made during an appearance on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
Navalny, a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, died suddenly in a Siberian prison two years ago. European labs have now confirmed that he died from the obscure poison, which is found in Ecuadorian dart frogs.
Police Response and Investigation
The Russian embassy in London has denied Moscow's involvement in Navalny's death, describing the announcement as "feeble-mindedness of Western fabulists" and accusing critics of "necro-propaganda".
Cooper told the BBC that the use of poison "is evidence of the aggression that is unfortunately going to be continuing" against Europe, and the UK needs to be ready to respond to that. A group of European ministers has reported this to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Official Statements and Reactions
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel called on the government to "step up its own actions" against Russia, as sanctions are "being busted and circumvented". She argued for "cutting off all the financial flows that are basically still propping up Russia and the Russian economy".
According to the Foreign Office, there is no innocent explanation for the toxin being found in samples taken from Navalny's body. The UK will continue to look at coordinated action, including increasing sanctions on the Russian regime.
