Several people have asked me what my opinion is on the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in London, perhaps thinking that I’d be able to give an interesting answer. Sadly, I can’t. The fact is that he was poisoned, but the enormous media coverage of where the blame lies consists entirely of speculation with no actual evidence.
Was Putin personally involved? Maybe he was, maybe he wasn’t. The latter is equally as likely as the former, more so in fact, and impossible to prove either way. Was the Russian government involved? The Economist answered this well:
But for all the talk of Mr Putin’s authoritarianism, the Russian state is chaotic, factional, corrupt and criminalised; its nominal servants engage in lots of shady activities without Kremlin approval.
Indeed. Unlike how western governments are sometimes perceived, there is no rigid organisation with clear accountabilities, loyalties, and reporting lines which underpin the Russian government. Even if it is proven that the Russian government was involved in Mr Litvinenko’s death, the news could well come as something of a surprise to Putin.
It is fun, though, watching Scotland Yard in Moscow.
The conspiracy theorists are having a field day. I have seen Litnivenko’s murder linked to the EU: Right Links
My half-Russian wife says “he’s a traitor and deserves to be punished” which sums up the attitude of many Russians. Folks who we may see as being friends of the West and freedom and democracy are seen by everyday Russians as double agents, spies, and traitors. And they have no sympathies.
The Russian mentality is not the same as the British one. Whilst we are outraged, the Russian view is very cynical.
Ok Litvinenko – my view is that it was an unneccessary horrible death and brutal act over someone who was a minor irritant to the likes of Putin. Litvinenko had many dodgy business connections – could have been that he short changed or double crossed someone who had a bit of influence with the security community. And the impact doesn’t stop at Litvinenko. Several people, including innocent bystanders and investigating policy officers have been contaminated or affected by radiation.
dear sir
i mast say that you are very balanced and accurate in your analisys.
Best regards