Global Geopolitical Series: United States stands in solidarity with UK against Russia over ex-spy poisoning

As a major diplomatic rift broke out between Russian and the United Kingdom over alleged poisoning of an ex-Russian spy and double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter by Russia using a banned nerve agent, the United States has stood in solidarity with its special friend the United Kingdom.

The event began last Sunday when a former Russian spy and his daughter were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury last Sunday, about 145 kilometers from London. Sergei Skripal, 66, and his 33-year-old daughter Yulia are currently in critical condition and are fighting for their lives in a local hospital, after reportedly being poisoned by a military-grade nerve agent.

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May Tuesday after her meeting with her national security team and careful analysis accused Russia of being behind the attack, saying that it was highly likely that Moscow was responsible for either poisoning the duo or allowing the nerve agent to get into the hands of others. Speaking in UK’s Parliament, May gave Russia 24 hrs. to respond to the UK query. She was quoted by Reuters as saying, “Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom.”

Russia has dismissed the allegation and even reminded the United Kingdom that it is not wise to issue a 24-hour ultimatum to a nuclear-powered state.

President Trump had a telephonic conversation with British Prime Minister Theresa May and White House released a statement saying, “President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom.  They discussed the United Kingdom’s investigation into the chemical weapon attack on a private citizen and his daughter on British soil.  President Trump stated the United States stands in solidarity with its closest ally and is ready to provide any assistance the United Kingdom requests for its investigation.  President Trump agreed with Prime Minister May that the Government of the Russian Federation must provide unambiguous answers regarding how this chemical weapon, developed in Russia, came to be used in the United Kingdom. The two leaders agreed on the need for consequences for those who use these heinous weapons in flagrant violation of international norms.”

Speaking to reporters on arrange of issues while leaving the White House to see the wall prototypes at the Southern border, President Trump said, “I’m speaking to Theresa May today. It sounds to me like it would be Russia, based on all of the evidence they have. I don’t know if they’ve come to a conclusion, but she’s calling me today…… But Theresa May is going to be speaking to me today. It sounds to me like they believe it was Russia, and I would certainly take that finding as fact.”

When asked if there should be a response from the United States against Russia, he said, “Yeah, as soon as we get the facts straight. And we’re going to be speaking with the British today. We’re speaking with Theresa May today. And as soon as we get the facts straight, if we agree with them, we will condemn Russia or whoever it may be.”