The Russian opposition leader Alexey Nawalny was poisoned with a nerve agent while on a flight on 22 August. The liberal politician is currently hospitalised in Berlin. Following a recent statement by the German ministry of foreign affairs, the Grand Duchy now also demands an explanation from the Russian leadership.
Asselborn emphasised that there was no reason to doubt the German intel on Nawalny's poisoning. The toxin that was found in his system was hard to trace and identify, and is furthermore known to have frequently been used in times of the Soviet Union. Asselborn elaborates: "The countries that still posses this particular type of toxin can only use it through governmental instructions, which is very worrying and needs to be condemned."
Potential sanctions against Russia are not yet up for discussion however. In a next phase, the EU and the German foreign ministry will finalise their assessment of the situation. Asselborn remains hopeful that Moscow will be cooperative in the investigation: "Attempted poisoning equals attempted terrorism, and I cannot imagine that a state like Russia would not try and help clear up the situation."
If it turns out the the Russian administration was really behind the poisoning, Asselborn claims it would be insufficient to simply evict their diplomats. In any case, an open dialogue with Putin is the desired path.
Meanwhile, the Russian authorities assured their full cooperation and have requested the German test results for evaluation. President Putin continues to remain silent on the issue.
