Russia Responds
The Russian Foreign Ministry was quick to respond to the allegations from the Tillerson and Britain Prime Minister Theresa May. It said the allegations were politically motivated and might be designed to create reason for Britain to boycott the 2018 World Soccer Cup in Russia later this summer. According to ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, “The conclusion is clear: this is another political information campaign, based on provocation.”
Would it be beyond Russia to assassinate one of its former spies of peddling secrets to the U.K.? Probably not. The question remains, “What would be an appropriate U.S./UK response?” If Vladimir Putin actually cared about any retaliation then the assassination likely would not have been ordered. Secondly, given the close relationship between Putin and President Trump would the president allow any economic sanctions or other measures to ruffle Putin’s feathers. It could also interrupt any of Trump’s new business ventures under way in Russia and we all know, his personal business dealings take priority over what’s best for the country.
