Litvinenko Inquiry: polonium poisoning in London
Verified: Documented in primary records or confirmed by reputable inquiry/reporting.
Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian spy, was poisoned in London in 2006. The UK public inquiry found the killing was carried out by two men and was probably approved by the head of the FSB and by President Putin. The BBC reported that Home Secretary Theresa May called the murder a “blatant and unacceptable” breach of international law.
Documented
The inquiry report is published on GOV.UK, and the BBC reported its key finding as President Putin “probably” approving the murder on 21 January 2016.
Claimed, disputed or not established
The word “probably” is the inquiry’s own; it is a public-inquiry finding, not a criminal conviction. The BBC reports the Russian Foreign Ministry said the inquiry was “politicised”.
Sources (opened in a new tab)
- BBC: President Putin ‘probably’ approved Litvinenko murder (21 Jan 2016) ↗https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35370819
- GOV.UK: The Litvinenko Inquiry report ↗https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-litvinenko-inquiry-report-into-the-death-of-alexander-litvinenko
Connected
- Section: Russia and the USSR, also United Kingdom
- Agencies: FSB
- Vault documents: The Litvinenko Inquiry: report into the death of Alexander Litvinenko ↗
- Case board · Timeline (2016) · Document vault