NPR: Britain-Russia Kerfuffle Gets More Serious

Britain-Russia Kerfuffle Gets More Serious

So this whole kerfuffle between Russia and Britain over the murder of an ex-KGB agent just keeps getting more bizarre.

Exiled Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky told the BBC today that both British intelligence and friends in Russia had warned him that someone he knew would come to Britain to try to kill him.

British police later acknowledged they had arrested a man in late June in London on suspicion of conspiracy to murder in Berezovsky's case. He was questioned and released to the immigration service two days later.

This news comes after Britain announced this week it was expelling four Russian diplomats. Britain took the action over its frustration with Russia's continued stonewalling in the investigation and extradition of the main suspect in the death of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko from radioactive poison.

Russia responded by saying that it would have an "adequate and appropriate" response. My guess is that they won't be sending Prime Minister Gordon Brown a case of vodka and a barrel of caviar.

Berezovsky was a good friend of Litvinenko, who accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being behind the ultimately successful attempt on his life. Russian authorities have denounced these charges.

Russia has lots of oil that the West needs and that's making the country a "bit cheeky," as the Brits might say. In fact, in his report on All Things Considered Tuesday, Gregory Feifer noted many commentators believe Russia, rather than trying to mend this fence with Britain, is actually relishing the opportunity to throw its newfound weight around.

So I think we can assume this problem won't be getting solved any time soon.

5:12 PM ET | 07-18-2007 | permalink

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