Skripal poisoning was in U.K.’s interests: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister says the British regime wanted to distract attention from problems around Brexit.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the Skripal poisoning was meant to distract attention from the problems around Brexit. (FILE)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday suggested that the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal could benefit the British government by distracting attention from problems around Brexit.

“This could be in the interests of the British government which found itself in an uncomfortable situation having failed to fulfill promises to its electorate about the conditions for Brexit,” he said. He also suggested that the poisoning “could also be in the interests of the British special forces who are known for their abilities to act with a licence to kill”.

Attack ‘not sophisticated’

Mr. Lavrov complained that the British authorities have still not give consular access to “our citizens,” and that the situation had not changed despite Yulia Skripal's improved condition.

He also denied the attack was “sophisticated”, saying that if it had been, the victims would have died immediately. “If I understand correctly, sophisticated attacks usually lead to instant death,” he said.