Poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal

Forensic_tent_at_The_Maltings,_Salisbury_(cropped)

Poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal

The poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal occurred on 4 March 2018 in Salisbury, England. Sergei Skripal, a former Russian military officer and double agent for the UK's intelligence services, and his daughter Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a public bench in Salisbury after being exposed to a nerve agent.

Background

Sergei Skripal had been convicted of spying for the UK in Russia in 2006 and was later exchanged in a spy swap in 2010. He had been living in the UK since then. The poisoning incident led to a major diplomatic crisis between the UK and Russia.

Poisoning Incident

On 4 March 2018, Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a bench in Salisbury. They were taken to the hospital in critical condition. It was later determined that they had been exposed to a nerve agent known as Novichok.

Investigation

The UK government accused Russia of being behind the poisoning, which Russia denied. The incident led to the expulsion of diplomats from both countries and heightened tensions between them.

Aftermath

Sergei and Yulia Skripal eventually recovered from the poisoning after weeks of treatment. The incident raised concerns about the use of chemical weapons and espionage activities on foreign soil.

See also

• Novichok poisoning of Dawn Sturgess and Charlie Rowley
• Chemical weapons in the United Kingdom