Murdered spy’s widow says inquiry not sparked by Ukraine crisis

The widow of murdered spy Alexander Litvinenko said she does not believe a public inquiry into his death has been sparked by international tension with Russia.

The 43-year-old Russian, known as Sasha to his loved ones, died after drinking tea laced with radioactive polonium-210 with two former colleagues at a London hotel in 2006.

Mrs Litvinenko said: “I am relieved and delighted with this decision. It sends a message to Sasha’s murderers: no matter how strong and powerful you are, truth will win out in the end and you will be held accountable for your crimes.