The United States, France, and Germany have joined the United Kingdom in issuing a statement condemning Russia for trying to poison former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, England.
In a rare joint statement, President Donald Trump, President Emmanual Macron, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Theresa May say “there is no plausible alternative explanation” to Russian responsibility in the March 4 attack in England.
They say Russia’s failure to respond to Britain’s “legitimate request” for an explanation “further underlines its responsibility.”
The leaders say the use of a chemical weapon is “an assault on U.K. sovereignty” and “a breach of international law.”
"This use of a military-grade nerve agent, of a type developed by Russia, constitutes the first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since the Second World War. It is an assault on UK sovereignty and any such use by a State party is a clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and a breach of international law. It threatens the security of us all.
The United Kingdom briefed thoroughly its allies that it was highly likely that Russia was responsible for the attack. We share the UK assessment that there is no plausible alternative explanation, and note that Russia´s failure to address the legitimate request by the UK government further underlines its responsibility. We call on Russia to address all questions related to the attack in Salisbury. Russia should in particular provide full and complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)." (Full statement)
President Trump finally personally acknowledged Russia's responsibility when asked about the poison attacked during an Oval Office meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadka Thursday.
"It looks like the Russians were behind it, something that should never ever happen. We're taking it very seriously as I think are many others," Mr. Trump said.
However, NBC News reports the president ignored a question about the Treasury Department's newly announced sanctions.
U.S., U.K., French and German leaders agree Russia behind nerve agent attack (Politico)
US, UK, Germany and France issue joint statement condemning Russia (Axios)
Trump says Russia was behind nerve agent attack on ex-spy in UK (CBS News)
White House toughens Russia stance with election meddling sanctions, criticism (NBC News)