Brits Win Little EU Support For Russian Battle

Moscow weighs 'targeted' response in clash over spy murder

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 18, 2007 5:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – Britain turned to its European allies for support in its diplomatic battle with Russia over a sensational radiation murder in London, but the response has been tepid, the Guardian reports. Only the French expressed support yesterday, as Germany, with powerful economic ties to Russia, suggested that the UK had overreacted, and the Portuguese characterized the clash as a two-way fight.

The British expelled four Russian diplomats Monday in retaliation for Moscow's refusal to extradite a suspect in the murder of ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko. Moscow vowed to respond "soon" and said its action would be "targeted and appropriate." Russian officials hinted that the country would seek to isolate Britain from its EU partners.

Alexander Litvinenko, former KGB spy and author of the book "Blowing Up Russia (Associated Press)

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown gives a news conference at 10 Downing Street in London Wednesday July 11, 2007. Britain had the right to award a knighthood to Salman Rushdie, the prime minister... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin seen in Moscow, Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Russia on Tuesday vowed a "targeted and appropriate" response to Britain's expulsion of four diplomats in a mounting confrontation... (Associated Press)

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Brits Win Little EU Support For Russian Battle

Moscow weighs 'targeted' response in clash over spy murder

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Brits Win Little EU Support For Russian Battle

Moscow weighs 'targeted' response in clash over spy murder

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

More on the fallout

Alexander Litvinenko • European Union • Gordon Brown • Andrei Lugovoi • polonium 210 • Gazprom

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

UK-Russia Relations Remain Frosty

Brown writes to congratulate Medvedev but offers no invite

27 Nations Vote in Massive EU Election

Across continent, angry voters set to punish ruling parties

Blair's Path to EU Helm Grows Clearer

If Irish approve Lisbon treaty, ex-PM in line for newly created position

Brown Tells US to 'Seize the Moment'

Now more than ever the rest of the world wants to work with you

Russian Gas Again Flows to Europe Through Ukraine

Supplies had been cut for 2 weeks amid political squabbles

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?