Nicola Sturgeon has been condemned by Russian diplomats in Edinburgh for backing Theresa May’s “hostile” response to the Salisbury attacks.
The Russian Consulate released a statement criticising the Scottish Government’s stance during the ongoing stand-off between Moscow and London.
The statement said it “absolutely unacceptable and unworthy” that the British administration has sought to “seriously aggravate relations further in pursuit of its unseemly political ends”.
It added: “By investigating this incident in a unilateral, non-transparent way, the British Government is again seeking to launch a groundless anti-Russian campaign.
“It is with much regret we have to note that the Scottish authorities have unequivocally provided their full support to this hostile standoff with Russia.
“We are receiving warm messages of support and consideration from many residents of Scotland and we want to thank them all profoundly.”
Yulia Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia Skripal, 33, remain critically ill in hospital after they were found unconscious in the centre of Salisbury on March 4.
Theresa May has told MPs that the substance used in the attack was a nerve agent that had been developed by the Soviet Union.
In response, Mrs May expelled 23 Russian diplomats from the UK, a move backed by the First Minister.
Ms Sturgeon said last week: “It is very clear that Russia cannot be permitted to unlawfully kill or attempt to kill people on the streets of the UK with impunity.”
