In a decisive diplomatic move, the United Kingdom government has announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, following the conclusion of a major public inquiry into the 2018 Novichok nerve agent poisonings in Salisbury, England. This development marks one of the most serious actions taken by London against Moscow since the expansion of Western sanctions tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Reuters+1
Inquiry Finds Putin ‘Morally Responsible’
The sanctions come in response to the findings of the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry, an independent investigation led by former Supreme Court Justice Lord Anthony Hughes. The inquiry concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin bears moral responsibility for the deaths linked to the nerve agent attack, describing it as an “astonishingly reckless act.” The inquiry report revealed that Putin likely authorised the operation to assassinate former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, with the toxic nerve agent Novichok, which was deployed on British soil. Express & Star+1
Lord Hughes said that the attempted assassination “must have been authorised at the highest level,” indicating that agents of the GRU carried out the operation under orders from Russia’s president. The inquiry, which cost more than £8 million and spanned several years, emphasised the extreme danger posed by using a military-grade nerve agent in a civilian area. Express & Star
From Salisbury to Tragedy: The Novichok Legacy
The Salisbury poisoning began in March 2018 when Sergei Skripal, a former Russian intelligence officer turned British agent, and his daughter were found unconscious on a park bench after exposure to the Novichok nerve agent. Both survived the ordeal following intensive hospital treatment, as did then-police officer Nick Bailey, who was also exposed during the emergency response. Shortly afterwards, in nearby Amesbury, British woman Dawn Sturgess died after unknowingly applying what she believed was perfume — in reality, a discarded bottle containing Novichok. Her partner, Charlie Rowley, survived radiation. WSLS
The inquiry’s findings not only confirmed long-held suspicions about Russian state involvement but also highlighted serious concerns about public safety and threat assessment processes at the time. Sturgess’s family stated that the tragedy resulted from a “cruel and cynical attempt” to assassinate Skripal, and criticised authorities for failing to adequately assess and manage the risk posed by the nerve agent. WSLS
Sanctions Target GRU and Key Operatives
In response, the UK government has sanctioned the entire GRU military intelligence agency, slapping sanctions on the organisation as a whole — an unprecedented step that signals serious diplomatic displeasure. In addition to the agency itself, eleven individuals linked to hostile activities by Russian state actors have been named, including eight cyber intelligence officers accused of past malign operations. Three other operatives were targeted for alleged involvement in plots across Europe, including planning attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Express & Star
The Foreign Office also directly summoned the Russian ambassador to London, demanding explanations for what it characterised as Russia’s “ongoing campaign of hostile activity” against the UK and its allies. Officials underscored that the sanctions are part of a broader effort to counter threats from Russian intelligence services and deter dangerous operations on British territory. Express & Star
UK Government Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denounced the GRU’s actions, saying the Salisbury poisonings were a stark reminder of Russia’s disregard for innocent life. Starmer stressed that the UK must remain vigilant against the threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s government and its security forces. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed these sentiments, describing the Russian intelligence apparatus as “an active threat to Britain’s citizens, security, and prosperity” and reiterated the government’s determination to confront hostile Russian actions. Express & Star
Security officials warned that Russia’s intelligence operations have evolved beyond traditional espionage, increasingly involving cyberattacks, recruitment of proxies through encrypted platforms, and hybrid warfare activities across Europe and beyond. By imposing sanctions on the GRU and its operatives, London hopes to disrupt these activities and raise the diplomatic costs for Russian aggression. Express & Star
Russia’s Response and International Context
Moscow has strongly rejected the UK’s allegations, dismissing the sanctions as illegitimate and politically motivated. The Russian government has vowed retaliatory measures in response to the British sanctions. However, analysts believe the move reinforces the UK’s longstanding position on Russian interference and state-sponsored violence, building on previous sanctions tied to the war in Ukraine. Reuters
Looking Ahead
The latest action marks a clear escalation in diplomatic pressure on Russia and is likely to further strain UK–Russia relations. The sanctions come amid broader Western efforts to hold Moscow accountable for state-backed hostile operations, not only in Ukraine but across Europe and on British soil. As global tensions continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, London’s stance sends a message about its commitment to defending national security and responding firmly to violations of international norms.