London, UK – Dawn Sturgess, a 44-year-old British mother of three, tragically died in July 2018 after being exposed to a lethal dose of Novichok, a Soviet-era nerve agent. Initially mistaking the substance for perfume, Sturgess was poisoned by residues in a bottle she had found. Her death has now been linked to what was described in a public inquiry as an “illegal and outrageous international assassination attempt” targeting a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal.
Sergei Skripal, along with his daughter Yulia, survived a targeted attack in March of the same year in Salisbury, England, despite heavy poisoning by the same nerve agent. Both were later provided intensive medical treatment and now live under protection due to continued safety concerns. Skripal, a former Russian double agent, was previously imprisoned by Russia for espionage on behalf of MI6 before being pardoned and relocating to the UK in 2010.
The inquiry into Sturgess’ untimely death unveiled sinister details, noting that the discarded perfume bottle, later found by Sturgess, contained enough Novichok to potentially poison thousands. Andrew O’Connor, the lawyer leading the public inquiry, remarked on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her death, illustrating the precariousness of her inadvertent involvement in international espionage.
British authorities have traced the assassination attempt on Skripal back to two Russian intelligence officers. These individuals allegedly traveled to the UK using counterfeit passports. Subsequent investigations implicated a third operative, purportedly orchestrating the attack, identified as a member of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU. Despite these accusations, Russia has consistently denied any involvement, dismissing the claims and inquiry as prejudiced.
The backlash from the Salisbury incident strained diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia, further compromised by historical tensions and recent allegations, including Russia’s purported role in the 2006 poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko. The discord culminated in the largest diplomatic expulsion in recent history and a series of punitive sanctions which have since intensified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
During the inquiry, Sturgess’ family has voiced their concerns about whether adequate measures were taken by the UK government to shield the Skripals and the public from collateral risks. The sentiments were echoed in recent statements by former Prime Minister Theresa May who cited the inquiry as a beacon of hope for unveiling the truth and providing solace to Sturgess’ family, albeit acknowledging that ultimate justice might remain elusive.
As the inquiry progresses, sessions closed to the public are expected to scrutinize classified intelligence linked to the case. The Skripals will not be appearing to testify, prioritizing their safety.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper emphasized that the inquiry aims to offer the Sturgess family and the local community comprehensive insight into the tragic circumstances that led to Dawn’s death, underscoring the profound and lasting impact this international scandal has had on her loved ones and the wider community. The ongoing proceedings promise to piece together the events that not only led to a tragic death but also precipitated a significant international crisis.