British Prime Minister Theresa May was scrambling to garner international support for a robust response to Russia on Tuesday as the deadline for Russia to explain its role in the poisoning of a double-agent neared, reports The National.
But efforts to get the US onside stumbled as US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was sacked just hours after issuing a strongly worded statement in support of UK efforts. President Donald Trump said he was due to speak with Mrs May over the incident late on Tuesday, but he was more wavering in his support than Mr Tillerson. "As soon as we get the facts straight, if we agree with them, we will condemn Russia or whoever it may be", Mr Trump told reporters.
Mathieu Boulègue, a research fellow on the Russian and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House “The deadline meant Russia dodged a bullet until tomorrow when it is supposed to come up with a response. It also gives respite to the UK to garner support for a robust response.”
Positive overtures were forthcoming from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg who emphasised NATO support for the UK. “The use of any nerve agent is horrendous and completely unacceptable.” “The UK is a highly valued ally, and this incident is of great concern to NATO. NATO is in touch with the UK authorities on this issue, “he added.
However, with Mrs May not due to announce concrete measures until tomorrow after the deadline has expired, there was little in the way of material support. Though she did find support from European and EU states, in spite of strained relations over Brexit.
In a phone call with French President Emmanuelle Macron on Monday, Mrs May and the French leader “agreed that the French and British governments should coordinate closely as the investigation developed and following Russia’s response.”
In Germany, Norbert Roettgen, the chair of the foreign affairs committee, and a close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel said “The discovery of a Russian military substance means that Russia cannot refuse cooperation in the clearing up of this matter. If Russia does not cooperate, there must be a joint Western response."