Use of military grade agent in spy poisoning not possible, says Putin

Vladimir Putin has questioned the UK's explanation around the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, saying the use of a military grade agent "is not possible" as its victims would have died "immediately".

Asked by Press Association chief executive Clive Marshall to explain who is responsible for the Skripals' poisoning, the Russian president instead cast doubt over Britain's own claims and called for an "objective" investigation.

He said: "I'm not an expert on those military grade toxic agents, but if such substance is used, then the victims die immediately... right on the spot.

"But this was not the case likely, and Sergei Skripal and his daughter are alive.

"They are out of hospital now and as we've seen recently on TV, his daughter looks fine, so thank god everyone is alive, everyone is well.

"So to say that a military grade agent was used is not possible and if it is the case then it casts doubt on everything that has been said by the UK from the outset."

Mr Putin was speaking to the heads of international news agencies - including Mr Marshall - on the margins of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).