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The UK “will work together with international partners” to impose sanctions on those held responsible for poisoning a critic of Vladimir Putin with novichok, the foreign secretary said.
In a statement, Dominic Raab said there was “undeniable evidence” that Alexei Navalny he was poisoned by the military nerve agent, which was developed by Russia.
He added: “Despite having a clear case to answer, the Russian authorities continue to make no credible attempt to investigate this attack.
“There is no plausible explanation for Mr. Navalny’s poisoning other than Russian involvement and responsibility for this terrible attack.”
Dominic Raab said there was “no plausible explanation” other than Russian involvement in the poisoning.
Raab’s statement came after the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed the findings of two laboratory tests conducted after Navalny fell ill.
The leader of the Russian opposition was brought to hospital in Germany after being exposed to the nerve agent on August 20.
Russia has denied Navalny’s accusations that the state was involved in the poisoning.
France and Germany issued a joint statement saying they would propose sanctions against Russian citizens to the European Union.
They said: “So far Russia has not provided a credible explanation. In this context, we consider that there is no other plausible explanation for Mr. Navalny’s poisoning than the involvement and responsibility of Russia.”
The joint statement added: “Drawing the necessary conclusions from these events, France and Germany will share with European partners additional sanctions proposals.
“The proposals will be directed to people considered responsible for this crime and violation of international norms, according to their official role, as well as to an entity involved in the novichok program.”
A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry said Germany and France “have now turned to threats and attempts at blackmail.”
Raab said the UK is “side by side” with Germany and France.
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He added: “On October 6, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed the findings of previous laboratory tests, that Alexei Navalny was poisoned by a military nerve agent from the novichok group, developed by Russia.
“The evidence is undeniable.
“The UK stands alongside our German and French partners in our response to the heinous poisoning of Alexei Navalny.”
He continued: “We will work together with our international partners to push for sanctions against Russian officials and others who are held responsible for this crime, as well as those involved in the development of the novichok chemical weapons program.”
“We will continue to work with the OPCW and all our international partners to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention and hold Russia accountable.”
