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Vladimir Putin 'probably' approved Alexander Litvinenko killing in London

President Vladimir Putin "probably" approved the assassination of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London, a public inquiry has found.

Sir Robert Owen's report said Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun were probably acting under the direction of Moscow's FSB intelligence service when they poisoned him with radioactive polonium 210 at the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair in 2006.

The Home Secretary said the Russian ambassador will be summoned to the Foreign Office to be told about the Government’s anger about the case.

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May: Litvinenko murder a 'breach' of 'civilised behaviour'

The home secretary said the UK will engage

The conclusion that the Russian state was probably involved in the murder of Mr Litvinenko is an "unacceptable breach" of "civilised behaviour", the home secretary said.

Theresa May said the UK will engage "guardedly" with Russia where it is necessary, in the interests of national security.

Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun - who poisoned Mr Litvinenko - will be subject to asset freezes.

May says the Russian ambassador will be summoned to the Foreign Office to be told about the government’s anger about this case.

We are considering the findings in detail and their implications. In particular, the conclusion that the Russian state was probably involved in the murder of Mr Litvinenko is deeply disturbing.

It goes without saying that this was a blatant and unacceptable breach of the most fundamental tenants of international law and of civilised behaviour. We have to accept that this does not come as a surprise. The inquiry confirms the assessment of successive governments that this was a state sponsored act.

– May

May said she hopes the findings provide some “clarity” for Litvinenko’s family and friends.

She also paid tribute to his widow Marina for her “tireless” efforts to find the truth about his death.

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Vladimir Putin 'probably' approved Alexander Litvinenko killing in London

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