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Scott Morrison wants Russia 'held to account' amid UK Novichok attack findings

Australia wants Russia held to account over the Salisbury nerve agent attack in the UK, and is demanding the Kremlin reveal the extent of its chemical weapons.

An undated combo handout photo made available by the British London Metropolitan Police (MPS) showing Alexander Petrov (R) and Ruslan Boshirov (L).
Alexander Petrov (left) and Ruslan Boshirov are charged with using novichok to poison an ex-spy and his daughter. Source: AAP

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia is in lock step with the United Kingdom in holding Russia to account for a nerve agent attack on British soil, demanding the Kremlin reveal its chemical weapons cache.

Two Russian military intelligence officers were responsible for the Salisbury attack on former spy Sergei Skripel and his daughter Yulia, UK police have found.

Investigators also concluded Russian leaders authorised the March 4 attack.

Mr Morrison said the heinous Novichok nerve agent attack was in clear and direct violation of international law.

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"Australia shares the UK's anger and outrage at this dangerous and deliberate act by Russia, which also puts at risk the British public, police and other first responders," Mr Morrison said in a statement on Thursday.

"We are in lock step with the UK on the importance of holding Russia to account and reaffirm our support for calls on Russia to fully disclose the extent of its chemical weapons programme."


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