UK Police investigation confirms Russian agents responsible for Nerve Agent attack in Salisbury

The Australian Government strongly condemns the use ofchemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances.

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced the results of theUK Police investigation into the use of a Novichok nerve agent on Sergei andYulia Skripal in Salisbury, UK on 4 March. The investigation has found that twoRussian military intelligence officers were responsible for this attack. Theinvestigation also concluded that the Russian leadership authorised the attack.

The results of the UK Police investigation confirm Russia'sculpability for this heinous attack, in clear and direct violation ofinternational law.

Australia shares the UK's anger and outrage at this dangerous and deliberate act by Russia, which also puts at risk the British public, police and other first responders.

We are in lock step with the UK on the importance of holding Russia to account and reaffirm our support for calls on Russia to fully disclose the extent of its chemical weapons programme.

The Australian Government is in close consultation with the UK Government and other partners. We are committed to acting with our allies and partners to deter further Russian violations of international security.