UK Inquiry Holds Putin 'Morally Responsible' for Nerve Agent Death

A British inquiry has concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin bears "moral responsibility" for the 2018 death of a UK woman. The woman died from exposure to a Novichok nerve agent, a military-grade chemical weapon. The attack originally targeted a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, in the English city of Salisbury. However, the woman, Dawn Sturgess, died after accidentally coming into contact with the poison months later. Her partner was also seriously injured. The inquiry found that Russian operatives from the FSB security service carried out the attack. It stated that Mr. Putin probably approved the operation, given Russia's control of its chemical weapons. The British government has long accused the Russian state of involvement. Russia has repeatedly denied any role in the poisoning. The finding increases diplomatic pressure but carries no direct legal consequence for the Russian president.