Press release on MFA Director of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov’s meeting with the ambassadors of the CSTO member states on the Skripal case

On March 23, Director of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov held a briefing for the ambassadors of the CSTO member states to clarify Russia's position in connection with unfounded accusations by Great Britain of poisoning double agent Sergey Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury on March 4.

These provocative allegations, persistently leveled by London at various international venues and in the media, have been dispelled.

It was confirmed that Russia was in no way involved and cannot have had anything to do with the Salisbury incident in principle. The nerve gas code-named “Novichok” has never been produced in the Russian Federation.

Serious concern was expressed over the attempted murder of a Russian citizen, Yulia Skripal, on British territory. In this regard, Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on March 18. It was noted that Britain is violating not only the humanitarian law, but also the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963. Russian representatives are being denied access to Yulia Skripal in order to provide her with the necessary assistance.

Russia’s position met with understanding among the CSTO partners in general. The meeting participants concluded by noting the need to maintain close contacts regarding the Skripal case.