The United Kingdom imposed comprehensive sanctions on Russia's GRU in response to Putin-authorised operations, including the Salisbury poisoning that killed Dawn Sturgess in 2018, as detailed in the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry final report.

The Salisbury operation targeted former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, who survived after serious illness.

Dawn Sturgess, unrelated to the espionage case, died three months later at age 44 after likely exposure to the nerve agent via a perfume bottle discarded near the Skripal residence.

The inquiry found little criticism of British intelligence or police, but noted few or no recommendations to prevent future incidents, leaving families worried about ongoing risk.

The inquiry concluded Skripal’s risk level did not justify living under an alias, and shielding him would have required consent and was not feasible given his circumstances.

Public hearings and a classified section underscored national security concerns, with a 174-page record detailing seven weeks of testimony while some details remain secret.

The report highlighted reckless handling of the Novichok agent, including leaving the bottle in a busy city area and failing to prevent harm to bystanders, while noting some security failings in Skripal’s management as a prisoner exchange, though not causative.

The inquiry examined whether Skripal could have been better protected, discussing potential safeguarding lapses around his status as a returned prisoner.

Skripal and his daughter relocated under assumed identities; Sturgess’s family criticized the lack of concrete recommendations and urged meaningful changes to prevent future deaths.

Sturgess’s family pressed for full accountability and ongoing scrutiny, while Skripal and his daughter provided statements via recorded testimony due to security concerns.

The inquiry’s chair stated the agents involved showed disregard for potential collateral harm, underscoring the broad risk of the operation.