Novichok victim Charlie Rowley questions Russian ambassador over partner’s death

Charlie Rowley met with Alexander Yakovenko at the Russian embassy in London.

Novichok victim Charlie Rowley has said he “didn’t really get any answers” after meeting with Russia’s ambassador in London to question him about the death of his partner Dawn Sturgess.

Mr Rowley said he still believed Russia was responsible for the Salisbury attack and that he was fed “Russian propaganda” during the 90-minute discussion.

The 45-year-old was exposed to the same nerve agent used to attack ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia last March.

Dawn Sturgess died after being exposed to nerve agent Novichok (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Mr Rowley said Alexander Yakovenko had seemed “genuinely concerned” about his situation when they met at the Russian embassy in Kensington, but had not changed his view on Russia’s involvement in the poisonings.

“I went along to ask them ‘Why did your country kill my girlfriend?’, but I didn’t really get any answers,” he said.

Charlie Rowley and his brother with the Russian ambassador — Russian ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko, left, meets with Novichok poisoning victim Charlie Rowley, centre, and his brother Matthew, inside the Russian Embassy in London (RTR via AP)

“I’m glad I met him and feel I did find out some things I didn’t know before. But I still think Russia carried out the attack.”

Mr Rowley, who says he continues to suffer from the long-term effects of exposure to Novichok, said he had asked the ambassador “more than a dozen questions in all”, including asking him about his claims that Britain was behind the attack.

A perfume bottle and applicator recovered by police from Novichok victim Charlie Rowley's address in Amesbury — A perfume bottle and applicator recovered by police from Novichok victim Charlie Rowley’s address in Amesbury (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror after the meeting, Mr Yakovenko said he and Mr Rowley were “on the same page” and wanted to see a report into the investigation published.

“It is important for Russia, but also for Charlie Rowley,” he said.

“I’ve seen a normal person who has really suffered a lot and who has suffered a tragedy in his life. If he asked for it, I would give him support.”

In September, Scotland Yard and the Crown Prosecution Service said there was sufficient evidence to charge two Russians – known by their aliases Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov – with offences including conspiracy to murder over the Salisbury nerve agent attack.

Alexander Petrov (left) and Ruslan Boshirov (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement, with president Vladimir Putin claiming the two suspects were civilians.

During an interview, the pair said they were tourists visiting Salisbury – particularly its famous cathedral.