What does the Litvinenko ruling mean for relations between Russia and the West
Journal: London School of Economics and Political Science Research Online (London School of Economics and Political Science)
Year: 2016

On 21 January, an inquiry into the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London concluded that the Russian government is likely to have had involvement in his murder. Cristian Nitoiu assesses what the outcome of the case could mean for Russia’s relations with the West. He argues that the report itself will not lead to a severe deterioration in relations, and that the gradual shift in attention away from the Ukraine conflict that has occurred in recent months actually signifies ther