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What happened
The U.K. government announced sanctions against Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, on December 4, 2025, in response to the final report of the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry. This report detailed the events surrounding the 2018 poisoning incident in Salisbury, where Dawn Sturgess died after being exposed to Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent. The inquiry concluded that the attack was authorized by Russian President Vladimir Putin and targeted former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia. The report identified that the nerve agent was applied to a perfume bottle, which was later picked up by Charley Rowley and given to Sturgess. The U.K. also sanctioned eleven individuals linked to the GRU, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by the agency. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Sturgess's death as a tragic reminder of Russia's aggression.
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Key insights
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Sanctions Imposed: The U.K. sanctioned the entire GRU and eleven individuals.
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Inquiry Findings: The report concluded the attack was authorized by Putin.
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Dawn Sturgess's Death: Sturgess died after exposure to Novichok, not the intended target.
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Ongoing Tensions: The incident highlights continued U.K.-Russia tensions.
Takeaways
The U.K.'s actions reflect a strong stance against Russian aggression and aim to hold accountable those involved in the Salisbury poisoning incident.