Putin ‘morally responsible for Dawn Sturgess Novichok death’

Weeks of public evidence, as well as a series of closed hearings regarding secret intelligence, culminated in the report released earlier.

“I have concluded that the operation to assassinate Sergei Skripal must have been authorised at the highest level, by President Putin,” said the inquiry chair, Lord Anthony Hughes.

“I therefore conclude that all those involved in the assassination attempt… were morally responsible for Dawn Sturgess’ death.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the report’s findings were “a grave reminder of the Kremlin’s disregard for innocent lives”.

Following the report’s release, Russia’s main military intelligence agency, the GRU, was sanctioned in its entirety by the UK government.

The UK “will always stand up to Putin’s brutal regime and call out his murderous machine for what it is”, said Sir Keir, referencing the additional sanctions as “the latest step in our unwavering defence of European security”.

Ms Sturgess’ family said: “There should be, there must be, reflection and change.

“Today’s report has left us with some answers, but also a number of unanswered questions.”