Poisoned Russian Spy’s condition ‘Improving Rapidly’

Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy living in the UK, is “improving rapidly” after being poisoned by a nerve agent, according to the latest report by his doctors.

British authorities believe that Skiripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were poisoned with the Russian nerve agent Novichok after coming in contact with it at their home. Yulia is awake and responsive and has asked for privacy during her recovery. It’s unclear if Sergei is able to speak yet.

“Last Thursday, I informed you that Yulia Skripal’s condition had improved to stable. As Yulia herself says, her strength is growing daily and she can look forward to the day when she is well enough to leave the hospital,” Dr. Christine Blanshard told reporters.

“I also want to update you on the condition of her father, Sergei Skripal. He is responding well to treatment, improving rapidly and is no longer in a critical condition,” Dr. Blanshard continued.

For their part, Russian officials have denied that the country had anything to do with the poisoning and believe that they’re being unfairly persecuted. The UK expelled 23 Russian diplomats from London, and 20 other countries expelled various Russian diplomats in solidarity, bringing the total to roughly 130 worldwide. Russia has retaliated by expelling the same number of diplomats in each country.