There has been more disagreement between the UK and Russia on the two previous high profile crimes: Sergey Skripal’s poisonings and Alexander Litvinenko’s. The Scripal incident was charged by Scotland Yard against Denis Sergeev, another Russian citizen.
At the same time, Russian authorities were officially held responsible by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for the assassinations of Litvinenko. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, the risk of more sanctions is hanging on Russia in view of Moscow’s reluctance to comply with these decisions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said unambiguously that Russia will not pay any court-adjudicated sums. For Peskov, such remarks are permissible. Russia is the only Council of Europe member whose legislation allows Russia to ignore ECHR decisions. However, according to the newspaper, political consequences for Russia are probable in this instance.
The UK has a new legal situation. As a country is no longer a part of the EU, London is building its own ‘sanctions network’ that it will now be able to implement independently.
“We move in circles in our bilateral relations. The ill-fated example of Scripal is highlighted if it is helpful. Anything may then take place, including further sanctions “The Russian Academy of Sciences specialist, Kira Godovanyuk, told the publication.