Podcast Summary: The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | Bear Traps | Episode 4

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Spy Who
• Host: Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey
• Producer: Wondery
• Description: Delving into the clandestine world of intelligence services, "The Spy Who" uncovers the stories of spies who risked everything for national interests—or sometimes, their own lives.

1. The Salisbury Poisonings: A Deadly Assassination Attempt

Date: March 5, 2018
Location: Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, England

The episode opens in the intensive care ward of Salisbury District Hospital where Sergei Skripal, a former GRU colonel turned MI6 agent, lies in a coma after being found unconscious on a park bench. Dr. James Haslam and the medical team perform life-saving measures to stabilize Sergei. Amidst their efforts, the revelation that Skripal is a former Russian spy shocks the medical staff, leading them to reconsider the cause of his critical condition.

Notable Quote:

Dr. James Haslam: "It could be a nerve agent. We need to test their cholinesterase levels and talk to Porton Down. But it fits."
[Timestamp: 02:15]

2. Uncovering the Nerve Agent: Porton Down's Crucial Role

Location: Porton Down, Wiltshire

The narrative shifts to Porton Down, Britain's top-secret defense research facility. Scientist Professor Tim Atkins conducts urgent tests on Skripal’s blood samples. Initial tests for VX and sarin come back negative, leading to the suspicion of a more exotic nerve agent—Novichok A234. This rare compound, developed by Russia during the Cold War, poses a significant threat due to its lethality and potential for causing widespread contamination.

Notable Quote:

Professor Tim Atkins: "It's extremely rare, though I've never come across a sample of it."
[Timestamp: 06:45]

3. Government's Strategic Response: Theresa May's Bear Trap

Location: Cabinet Office Whitehall, London

British Prime Minister Theresa May convenes the National Security Council to formulate a diplomatic response to the poisonings. Faced with the undeniable evidence pointing to Russia’s involvement, May opts for a firm stance against Vladimir Putin. She publicly challenges Russia to account for its actions, describing the incident as "an indiscriminate and reckless act against the United Kingdom."

Notable Quote:

Theresa May: "This attempted murder using a weapons-grade nerve agent in a British town was not just a crime against the Skripals. It was an indiscriminate and reckless act against the United Kingdom."
[Timestamp: 10:30]

4. Russia's Denial and Disinformation Campaign

Facing international condemnation, Russia vehemently denies involvement. High-profile interviews, such as those featuring GRU officers Alexander Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga on Russian state TV, attempt to deflect blame and sow doubt. The GRU orchestrates a widespread disinformation campaign, flooding the internet with conspiracy theories to obscure the truth and undermine trust in Western governments.

Notable Quote:

Russian Interviewer: "Are you those men in the pictures from Salisbury?"
[Timestamp: 20:15]

GRU Agent Response:

Anatoly Chepiga: "We came here for protection."
[Timestamp: 20:45]

5. International Fallout: Aligning Allied Responses

The United States, initially hesitant, aligns with the UK after significant diplomatic pressure. President Donald Trump expels 60 Russian diplomats and closes two Russian consulates, signifying strong support for the UK's position. This collective action aims to cripple Russia's global espionage network and signal that such aggressive tactics will not be tolerated.

Notable Quote:

President Trump: "We're expelling 60 Russian diplomats and closing two consulates."
[Timestamp: 13:20]

6. Identification and Charges Against GRU Agents

Six months post-incident, British authorities, led by Neil Basu of Counter Terrorism Policing, formally charge two Russian nationals—Alexander Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga—for their roles in the poisoning. Bellingcat's investigative reporting crucially unveiled their identities, despite Russian efforts to erase all public records of these men. The episode highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in bringing foreign operatives to justice.

Notable Quote:

Neil Basu: "We are seeking to circulate Interpol red notices."
[Timestamp: 25:40]

7. Ongoing Investigations and Aftermath

The tragic death of Dawn Sturgis, a local resident who inadvertently encountered the contaminated perfume bottle used to administer Novichok, intensifies the investigation. The public inquiry scrutinizes the response and the broader implications of such terrorist tactics on civilian populations. Although the primary suspects remain elusive within Russia, the case underscores the persistent threat of state-sponsored espionage and assassination.

Notable Quote:

Village Researcher: "A public inquiry is investigating the events leading to the death of Dawn Sturgis from Novichok poisoning."
[Timestamp: 29:10]

8. Conclusion: The Shadow War and Its Public Reckoning

The episode concludes by reflecting on the intricate web of espionage, political maneuvering, and the human cost of covert operations. "The Spy Who Putin Poisoned" illustrates the complexities of modern intelligence warfare, where actions in the shadows have profound public consequences. The case of Sergei and Yulia Skripal serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which nations will go to protect their interests and the enduring struggle to maintain accountability on the international stage.

Notable Quote:

Narrator: "All that matters is the truth is shrouded in a fog of conspiracy, lies, and denials."
[Timestamp: 22:50]

Insights and Reflections

• Espionage Modernization: The use of sophisticated nerve agents like Novichok signifies an evolution in state-sponsored assassinations, highlighting the dangers posed by chemical weapons in espionage.

• International Cooperation: The alignment of Western allies in response to the Salisbury poisonings demonstrates the potential for unified action against common threats, despite differing national policies.

• Media and Disinformation: Russia's aggressive disinformation campaigns reveal the critical role of media in shaping public perception and the challenges faced in combating state-sponsored propaganda.

• Justice and Accountability: The difficulty in prosecuting foreign operatives underlines the persisting gaps in international law enforcement cooperation, emphasizing the need for robust mechanisms to hold violators accountable.

This episode of "The Spy Who" provides an exhaustive exploration of one of the most audacious assassination attempts in recent history, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between intelligence operations, international diplomacy, and the quest for justice.