Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Australian Government strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances.
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced the results of the UK Police investigation into the use of a Novichok nerve agent on Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, UK on 4 March. The investigation has found that two Russian military intelligence officers were responsible for this attack. The investigation also concluded that the Russian leadership authorised the attack.
The results of the UK Police investigation confirm Russia’s culpability for this heinous attack, in clear and direct violation of international 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.