Have British Spies Learned from the Skripal Poisonings?

On March 4, 2018, a shocking call reached the MI6 duty officer. Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy, was hospitalized due to poisoning, raising alarms across British intelligence. This incident not only affected Skripal but also had wider implications for national security.

Implications of the Skripal Poisoning

The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of defectors living in the UK. A recent report designated Russian President Vladimir Putin as “morally responsible” for the death of Dawn Sturgess. Sturgess accidentally came into contact with the same nerve agent concealed in a perfume bottle discarded by suspected Russian agents involved in the Skripal case.

Background on Sergei Skripal

• Skripal was recruited as a spy for MI6 in the 1990s.
• He was arrested by Russian authorities and exchanged in a spy swap in 2010.
• When he moved to the UK, he was considered a “settled defector.”

Although Skripal had been pardoned, there was an assumption about his safety that later proved to be incorrect. The risks he faced were not updated regularly, particularly following heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations after the 2014 Ukraine crisis.

Assessment of Risks

The report indicates that there were no clear signals warning of an impending nerve agent attack. However, it highlights the lack of regular risk assessments for Skripal. His communications with European intelligence services and the deteriorating relationship with Russia likely increased his risk profile.

Lessons Learned by British Intelligence

The use of Novichok nerve agent was regarded as a display of power by the Russian state. Additionally, it served as a warning to others: betraying Russian secrets could lead to dire consequences, even for family members.

• British intelligence agencies enhanced security measures for defectors after the Skripal incident.
• Lessons from the incident emphasized the need for constant risk evaluations.

In conclusion, the poisoning of Sergei Skripal has reshaped how British spies approach the protection of individuals at risk. Assumptions about safety must be continually assessed, particularly in turbulent geopolitical climates.