I just don't understand what Russia gain from this? I mean it's pretty serious - the attempted murder of civilians on NATO soil using illegal chemical weapons. How does this end well?
Russia sends a message to former spies, current spies, potential spies and any other Russians in opposition to Putin: don't fuck with us; you and your family is not safe.
Secondly, they are indirectly telling the UK, that they are weak. We don't fear you, you are isolated. The US (Trump) is a mess and you left your best friends; you are not the Empire not the Power soem of you still have wet dreams about. "You are weak, we can "attack" on British soil".
Thirdly, if Trump still stays weak towards the Russians [Russia clearly has leverage on Trump], there's the possibility of creating a rift between two strong allies; UK and USA. Rift in NATO alliance, more liekly to see Russia go for former Soviet states; Caucasus and especially the Baltics.
And then there's the domestic aspect. There's a presidential election today in Russia and altho there's no chance Putin won't win. The current narrative of the West in Russia is supported by a "made up nervegas attack"-story, that can be told again and again.
What's interesting today. Will Trump congratulate Putin (stay Putin's puppet) or will he keep the required distance and send a diplomatic signal to his allies and Russia.
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Has it been confirmed as Russia? Just asking
A much as you can, yes.
Only conspiracy theorists and pro-Kreml thinks otherwise.