The Litvinenko-Lugovoy diplomatic dispute between UK and Russia is ironic. The deceased is a Russian who sought assylum in UK and became a British citizen while the suspect, also a Russian, remained in Russia. Both are friends and former KGBs. Interestingly Russia, unlike UK, did not react when its request for extraditon of wanted Russian exiles was denied by UK. Britain untimely jumped the gun by expelling 4 Russian diplomats. It should have initially either recalled its Ambassador from Moscow for consultation or summoned the Russian Ambassador in London to its Foreign Office for a diplomatic protest to test the waters. It is not who did what and where. Both parties have merits. Hence both should settle their rift diplomatically and not in the UN as UK indicated. As explained Russia and UK have vested interest in bilateral relations. The media should let the dust settle instead branding Russia as a "xenophobic and vindictive regime." The Cold War is bygone.

Valentine Anthony, Baguio City, Philippines

Both UK and Russia have their respective merits vis-a-vis in the current Litvinenko-Lugovoy case. Instead of hastily expelling 4 Russian dilomats, UK should have observed some diplomatic protocol either by recalling its Ambassador from Moscow for consultation or summoned the Russian Ambassador in London to its Foreign Office for a diplomatic protest to test the waters. Interestingly, when UK refused Russia's request for extradition of few of its citizens, Russia did not react in the manner UK did. The latest Russian diplomatic reaction is normal. To drag the issue to the UN is uncalled for. Whatever, both states are stake holders, politically and economically. Meanwhile media should refrain from calling names such as "xenophobic and vindictive regime." Let the Cold War rest. Today's enemy is a friend tomorrow and an enemy again the day after. This is a simple equation in international relations. Don't we know?

Valentine Anthony, Baguio City, Philippines

"My gun is bigger than yours", always seems to be the arguement from world leaders in this day in age. I can understand Britians concern over the blantant assassination of one of its citizens by a foreign power, but they should drop the issue and not pressure Putin anymore than they have to. The Russian mob does hits in my country all of the time, and its no reason to start an international pissing contest. they World stage is already shaky at best with the war in IRAQ and Afaganastan and Iran and North Korea laughing in the face of the Non-Proliferation treaty. We have a President that tries to bully his way through everything as well and it does is make everyone else mad and not want to help, slowly isolating us. Britan and Russia do not need to make the same mistake as the boneheads that run the US have done. Let pride get in the way of resolving the issues at hand.

Kerry G Monce, Dayton, USA

Good for Britain. We are already in the new Cold war and as Winston Churchill led the crusade against authoratarian regime someone should lead the West in standing up to Russia. Regretfully until the US are vulnerable in Iraq we will more of the Rice vintage "Russia is essential in the war against terrorism". President Bush has made Russia rich and now is shocked that Vladimir Putin is turning money into power. Until the West fails to recognize to importance of concise strategy in soft containing Russia Briatain's moves are doomed to failure in solitude.

Bazil Elias, Sofia,

British government's argument comes down to a simple assertion that Britain (and West in general) have a fair judiciary and Russia doesn't. So it's ok not to extradite anybody to Russia, no matter what the crime. And it is also necessary to avoid trying Litvinenko's case in Russia, all Russian suspects must be tried in Britain. This assertion is at the heart of today's crisis. Britain argues: do as we say, not as we do, because you are not as good as us.
.
Putting aside for now to what extent that assertion of British judicial supremacy is true, or even verifiable, one cannot blame Russians for not accepting it. Nobody would. This is not 1900. What next? When two fight, others usually benefit. And the side with less real resources and more paper resources usually suffers more. That would in this case be Britain. That is because virtual resources get devalued when trust is lost, while oil/gas/etc... will always keep their value...

Beckovsky, Bratislava, Slovakia

The Litvinenko-Lugovoy saga had caused a diplomatic rift between UK and Russia in an otherwise sound bilateral relations. Litvinenko, who died last year from radioactive poisoning, was a Russian British citizen by assylum. He was a KGB friend of suspect Lugovoy, also an ex KGB, now in Russia. Moscow did not react when UK denied its request for extradition of its citizens living in UK wanted for crimes in Russia. Unfortunately UK jumped the gun by expelling 4 Russian diplomats instead of either recalling its
Ambassador from Moscow for consultation or summoning Russian Ambassador in London to its Foreign Office for a diplomatic protest. Alternatively UK prosecutors should have gone to Moscow with evidence as suggested by Russia. Both should settle their differences diplomatically. Meanwhile the
media should refrain from branding Russia as "xenophobic
and vindictive regime." The Cold War is bygone.

Valentine Anthony, Baguio City, Philippines

Brit has already WON, we will never back down to those warmonger Russia. The Brit empire is alive and well. russia's refusal to cooperate is nothing new, they back dictatorships like iran and venezuela.

Aleksander, Dublin, Ireland

In recent past Britian has always made a wrong move and sufferring due to its own mistake. Gone are those days of global supremacy. This is an era of economical fight and a country will be only respected if it maintains a fair position. You can have startegic allies but that should not be the reason to create lot of enemies. At end of day it is not about winning a score rather to co-operate and mutually prosper. Hope the leaders understand that.

Santosh Singh, Kolkata, India

The problem even not in the fact that our constitution prevents us from extradiction, the problem is that GB gov has no evidences that Lugovoy is guilty. They only saing it is him, without any proves. Why they dont issue interpol request? Because they will have to prove their claims, but outside kingdom it will not be so easy, not only in Russia.
It is nonsense to believe that secrete service of any country (esp Russia, USA, Israel and etc) will use such remarkable weapon as pol210, if they will need to elliminate somebody. There are many other "common ways", dont you think so?
More of that I think that it is in the intterests of Russia to protect Berezovskiy before he will be putted to jail. Death of this man before that, will harm Russia much more. Your gov created in your minds idea that Putin dreaming about Berezovsky death, and you just to lazy to think ...
There were eliminated more than 200 chechen gang leaders, you even dont know about 1 of them, ask yourself why...

Roman, Velikiy Novgorod, Russia

Brtish double standards are always good for laughs.

Vladimir, Hartford, CT/USA

So the new Prime Minister has distanced himself from America and is now having a conflict with Russia. I love the Brits, I think they're awesome people even if they hate the U.S. with a flaming passion (BBC is just crazy!), so I guess it's right that they stand up to Russia. Russia is all P.R., IMO. Many parts of the country are still enormously poor and gee, have you seen their military? I know that the Brits were humiliated by the 15 sailors but Ive no doubt that their military is still superior to Russia's. The Brits in Iraq are kicking ass in Basra and not too long ago they helped some of the U.S. and Iraqi troops by delivering a shattering airstrike (if I recall correctly). London may be filled with Sharia Muslims now (so sad!), but dang... I refuse to believe that the warriors and subjects of old kings and queens are no more! Show 'em that fighting spirit, you guys! We know you still got it!

marguerite , L.A.,

The UK, and the West in general, has a DOUBLE STANDARD when it comes to Russia. Whether it is over Chechnya, the gas dispute with the Ukraine, Litvinenko, the proposed missile shield, or the dozen or so new NATO bases being built all over former Soviet Republics, Russia is constantly being bullied by us. Is it any surprise then that they reacted by electing Putin twice? On every single issue above, the UK is dead wrong. Chechnya is a part of Russia like Wales is a part of the UK, and the UK should stop giving safe haven to Chechen terrorists. Russia is not obligated to subsidize the Ukraine, and if the Brits don't like it they can pay for the Ukraine's gas needs at market prices. The Russian constitution is not subordinate to international treaties just as the UK's. Would the UK allow its nuclear deterent to be rendered useless while enemy airbases pop up all around its territory? Like I and others said: double standards.

Vladimir, Hartford, CT/USA

Yeah, Brits should be able to stand, and stand alone instead of indulging in international community. I am never a fond of Putin to be real, but he is just real, he is just playing the Brits game with a sweet passion. Release Berezhosky and get lugovoi. Come on, let us the younger ones learn from you adults, its pathetic that you all at the high realm of powers are scolding our emotions brutally. Let criminals be extradite at both sides. Let us learn that offence should be accounted for.

Sam, Montreal, Canada, Quebec

It is of interest watching the battle of two titans. I am of the opinion that the issues be resolved diplomatically and peacefully. UK though economically stronger and more viable than Russia, it should not forget that its citizens have magnificient investments in Russia, which if care is not taken, a 'bigger stick' policy from Kremlin could cripple its economy. Hence, both parties should tread softly.

Yourme, Lagos/Nigeria,

British intellectualism will always ensure a public victory in political matters. No matter that the actual economic ramifications of this seem to favor the Russians due to their abundance of natural resources (I.E. the building block of economy), the Brits will be able to hold public confidence with moralistic declarations of defending individual freedom and justice. The public always loves that good-versus-bad scenerio.

Now, if only those oil resources would finally come online in Iraq the Brits would have a much stronger position from which to poke a stick at the big bad bear. Of course, that is only secondary to saving the Iraqi people from themselves as both of our commonwealth leaders have pointed out.

(Moves 12 armies into Ural from Ukraine and takes Asia)

Matt, Los Angeles, Ca

with all this blah blah blah coming from the British and Russian view point what has it done to improve or solve the problem ? nothing! I'm not a big fan of Putin but after all said and done the Brits have no moral high ground on this matter, If the Brits wants to expel diplomats because of some legal complication on extradition then the Brits are as equally guilty if not more guilty and the same expulsion should be met to all British diplomats in countries that has requested extraction in the past, it just a case of double standards and the Brits are the one's found guilty in this case.

olufemi, plymouth, mn, usa

If Britain doesn't want to extradite Berezovsky then why Russia needs to co-operate on Britain's request for Lugovoi's extradition?

In addition to Berezovsky's extradition request, Russia has made other extradition requests for its Russian nationals living in Britain (most of them have been granted UK citizenships). Britain has always rejected Russian's requests citing its constitution.

I'm not a British nor a Russian. Despite of my neutral nationality and position, I'm glad the world has Vladimir Putin who stands up to Britain and the US. Otherwise, this world will be run by Blair and Bush which I don't want it to be.

Someone in Russia should start and run a Russian private news channel broadcasting its views and prespectives on global issues in English. So the global audience gets to hear another perspective besides just CNN and BBC; and it will slowly negate the negative PR the UK and US has been portraying about Russia.

A. Smith, Scandinavia,

May I first reply to a several comments regarding the position of Russia and then dwell back on the current issue. It is silly thinking that economically- militarily - and influentally-wise Britain stands on a higher ground...if it would be so we wouldnt hear all this attention on the issue. Obviously there is a double-standard reason (of accusation) covering the true intention to ruin the rising influence of modern Russia. Russia has been building its position up and now is back as a influential power in the world. And it is exactly of this reason that all we see is happening. History has shown that there is no great power that hasen't misused its own power and caused something unjust. So was the case of Roman Empire, British Empire, Sowiet Union, US and now Russia too.They do it cause they CAN do it! So again, its silly compering these two countries....We should accept the contemporary picture with new world players, UK not being one of them. UK, back to the drawing board!

Marjan, Freiburg, Serbia/Germany

Giving up Berezovsky and the others would be like handing over Lucky Luciano to Al Capone and expecting him to get justice. Putin, Berezovsky and all the other kleptocrats are competing mobsters. Russia is in the hands of criminal ex-KGB elements. Britain for all its faults is not run by the secret services. When Russia has a proper government, run by politicians, and a proper legal system it can expect to get its criminals back. Meantime we should stand firm even if we know there is no chance of Lugovoi being extradited.

Andrew Kelsey, Royston, UK

"Yes Britain will maybe suffer a bit in the short run. But, Britain is now doing (with diplomatic means) what it did in 1939. It defends democracy, the individual and freedom from a bully and a nationalist. And it shows the will to do so, alone if necessary."

While I agree in whole with the spirit of this remark, you shouldn't have brought up 1939. It brings to memory a few very bad words, such as Chamberlain, appeasement, "phony war" and my personal favorite: "peace for our time".

andy, NYC, USA

It was not that long ago that the Soviet Union broke apart, thus losing the Cold-War. Then Russia started implementing democratic reform, everyone was delited, they were even invited to participate in the annual G-8 summit. However, under Putin, Russia has taken numerous steps backwards in becoming a democratic state. Instead of helping with strong sanctions against Iran's nuke program, they defend the radical, terrorist state! They complain about a joint U.S.-European defense shield designed to protect the continent from rogue Islamic states (Iran comes to mind), from possible nuclear attack thinking that the program is about them! Now they are assassinating people in countries that are supposed to be their allies!

They have received millions in aid after the cold war from the west to help them get on their feet, yet they play both sides by chumming up to the likes of Iran, Syria and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez! Putin is making the world more dangerous!

Gus, Chicago, USA

thinker of the usa

No plutonium - it was POLONIUM. This isotope of polonium 210 is created by irradiating bismuth with neutrons. Bi210 then becomes polonium 210 by beta decay. Done in significant quantities using neutron flux from nuclear reactors.
Not easily available to private citizens, and probably traceable to a specific plant.
To those that say spook on spook killings are commonplace, how many involve use of radioactive material transported in commercial airliners, stored in hotels, carried into public restaurants before being dispensed to the intended victim in a public place? This posed a risk of radioactive contamination to public, visiting tourists and staff.

The idea that this behaviour can go unchallenged is ridiculous as is the suggestion that the British police have invented the story implicating Lugovoy to create a diplomatic spat. Better make a stand now than later. Sooner or later we will have to.

G Adlam, Brighton,

"Strong evidence" was also used as an excuse to join the Americans to invade Iraq, a disastrous move on all fronts. Why should anyone now believe anything that comes out of the Blair/Brown camp, infamous for its double standards, its hypocrisy, and its contempt for international law?

Sebastian Huydts, Barcelona, Spain

The Russians are withdrawing cooperation on joint anti-terrorism efforts with Britain?
Aren't these the same people who gave Korea and Iran the nuclear centrifuges they needed to separate weapons grade plutonium from the plutonium ore?
Is this the same Russia that invaded Afganistan in 1981 and created al-qaeda?
Flooded Africa with cheap AK-47 rifles?
I doubt their cooperation will be missed.

Joseph Aguirre, Chicago, IL, USA

1). Britain is no longer a world power. It continues to be heavily dependent on outside energy sources (not Russia, but point remains). It also faces rapid Islamization of its cities, some of which are already under Sharia law.

2). If anyone thinks Russia will lose out more then Britain, you are mistaken. While GB economy is larger (by far), the investment GB provides in Russia will easily (and readily) be replaced by countries such as Germany. Trust me Brits, the Germans are really licking their chops right about now.

3). England metions its citizenship is not for sale, while it hides the million and billion welding, wealthy criminals and gives them citizenships. I wonder if an ordinary immigrant got their citizenship as quickly as Berezovski? Not for sale? Riiiight!.

4). The British government is trying to conceal big domestic issues, as are the Russians. Thus both gain popularity at home by creating a common, foreign enemy.

its us vs you! ...sad

IR, Chicago, USA

I doubt that this is a fight Britain cannot win. Perhaps, but it has little to loose. First, there is little benefit in being a coward and bending over any time someone plays tough. Next time Russia or someone else will think twice before provoking the UK. Second, the UK has an equally important position in the UN, which it can use to make life more than difficult to a country with tons of trouble like Russia if needed. Third, British economy is doing well and companies are competitive. If Russia turns their business down on the basis of their britishness, it can harm them, but will also be depriving itself from more productive trade partnerships. Also, if the British are persistent, Russia might run into trouble as other EU nations and the US will be swayed by the British.
We are talking about a declining power whose best days are just gone, with internal revolutions and social unrest. The great Great Britain cannot win this??

Esteban, san francisco,

Do you guys supporting Russia not grasp the concept that by transporting this particular type of weapon (radioactive poison) that this person could have damaged or killed hundreds of innocent people.

It was desperate action, but calculated to be hard to detect since Polonium is not so easily found by doctors. Britain should make this fuss because of this. Many of you seem to think that this is just about the murder of one man. I find it fairly plausible that had it been just one man killed then this would not have got so out of hand and more readily brushed under the carpet. But, that's not the case, is it?

Russian culture is completely different to that of the West so all of these comparisons being made are irrelevant at best and just downright ignorant at worst. Britain has a policy not to deport people to a country where they may suffer torture and ill treatment.

I'm not defending what Britain has done recently, I don't even like Blair but I don't like mass poisoning either

A Peters, Preston, United Kindom

Richard Beeston, "Scotland Yard produced strong evidence linking Andrei Lugovoy to the killing" ...
So where is the evidence? Any clues? Note
that rubber stamped wording "An exhaustive investigation"... which author used to hide
the lack of information.....

Rob Rand, LIverpool, UK

Perhaps Beeston should go and live in Moscow. The issue is clear. There is no fight to win. There is simply a legal process to be carried out. No country should sit back and allow a resident ,or visitor, to be murdered without taking appropriate legal action. Brown and Milliband are correct, and Putin has got it wrong.

M. Reid, Canberra,

This is a good article.

Neither country needs disputes like these. Russia has made 21 extradition requests to Britain and have been refused, including it's own citizens. Britain has made 1 request and on refusal of extradition , but not refusal to cooperate has started a diplomatic row. Double standards? I think so.

Besides, how many countries would change their constitution at the request of a foreign state?

Dima, Darwin, Australia

I always wonder why the guy was killed with plutonium...

Why all this plutonium is being exported for...

Have you ever thought that it might be someone in Britain who need it?

Why none ever points at this?

Who needed the plutonium from Russia in Britain?

a thinker, KIRKLAND, USA

to K.S.Nirody, Geneva, Switzerland:

I'm glad there is someone in the west who understands what russia is facing: hypocracy, double standards, intimidation, and blackmail.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

Sometimes, even in international politics, doing the right thing, trancends the consequences!

Bob , Brisbane, Australia

Calum, Stornoway, Scotland writes: <country> maintains delusions of grandeur from the <period in past> which are simply out of touch with the power and influence it could reasonably expect to command in modern times.

I wouldn't be able to make up my mind about which pair of substitute words would make the above sentence ring more true:
"Russia/Cold War" or "Britain/imperial past".

Jacob, Dresden, Germany

Russia previously requested the extradition of numerous suspects, including a number of Chechen terrorist murderers and Boris Berezovski himself, who they accuse of attempting to overthrow the government of Russia, by financing and encouraging violent protests inside Russia. The British have refused every one of these requests. Why should the Russians comply? It is not about the fairness, it is about politics. Britain - a little country with big ego.

Mikhail Malakhov, Kansas City, USA / Kansas

I don't think that Brown and Miliband are stupid enough to expect that our parliament will change constitution in order to give them Lugovoy. May be they just wanted to show off strong and thought Russia is a good target. I'm not so much fond of Putin (he's leaving in a half a year after all) but such mock-heroic poses like Brits just stroke willy-nilly remind us that we are at least militarily 20 or 30 times stronger than 51nd state, which ceased to rule the seas long ago. So Mr Brown brings grist to the mill of growing Russian nationalism.

Vassily, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Are you kidding me? Britain will win this war, the sun never sets on the British empire. Russia is nobody.

Johnatan, Atlanta, ga

What do you mean by 'winning' here? Is it not perfectly clear that Britain can win *any* struggle that is *worth* winning?

Maynard, Oxford, UK

In the short run, of course, the diplomatic editor is correct. Britain will to some extent at least suffer for "picking this fight".
In the long run however.. Britain have always been (despite US claims) the number one promoter of freedom, democracy and justice in the world. And though Britain has made some spectacular blunders lately (Iraq springs to mind) it still is. And even better, it has not (well almost, Blair and his co-conspirators has crossed the line sometimes) left democratic ideals to defend democracy as the US has in Guantanamo.

Yes Britain will maybe suffer a bit in the short run. But, Britain is now doing (with diplomatic means) what it did in 1939. It defends democracy, the individual and freedom from a bully and a nationalist. And it shows the will to do so, alone if necessary.

I think time will show that it is Russia that's picking a fight which in the long run, it can't win.
And I will be ashamed of my country, if Britain has to stand alone for much longer

William J, Oslo, Norway

Russia had asked Britain to extradite Alexander Litvinenko. The British refused. Should not Britain expect a similar rejection from Russsia?

Costas, Patra, Greece

Mr. Bean, Mr. Millibean or whatever the name of the new British Foreign Minister should not talk tough while desperately trying to get a little help from EU. France and Germany should tell Brittain that they cannot win against Russia, now that winter is coming. World opinion favors Russia, since everybody knows that Britain doesn't have a moral ground to stand on. It only make them looks hypocritical.

Mark Herd, London,

Why people seem to rate Russia so highly in terms of comparative power i simply do not understand. Yes they are regaining some measure of power falling the doldrums they fell into following the collapse of the USSR but lets have a quick look at the basic facts: the UK is richer, more advanced and has a more experienced, better trained and again more advanced military - not that its conceivable that the conflict would escalate to a military point but the comparison is pertinent with regards to emphasising how overrated Russia is. The problem here, and it is a problem of which the Litvenko incident is only a part, is that Russia maintains delusions of grandeur from the Cold War which are simply out of touch with the power and influence it could reasonably expect to command in modern times.

Calum, Stornoway, Scotland

I'm by no means a fan of Putin's regime, but as many have pointed out, Britain didn't have moral authority to demand extradition, much less to change Russian Constitution to allow that. Twenty-one requests from Russia regarding not only Beresovskiy, but also plain murder suspects have been turned down (some other European countries and US requests got rejected, too). Double standards are always appalling and even if Britain is correct in suspecting Lugovoy, its own behaviour in similar situations makes current action a hypocrisy. I believe, that the best way would be to agree with Russia's proposal and try Lugovoy Russia. If that trial turns out to be sham, that would give much more weight and credibility to the following Britain actions.

Gregory Tomashevsky, North Andover, USA

There is no doubt what The Russians are doing is wrong. However, given the past history of UK giving safe heaven to some Russians "allegedly illegal elements" cannot be said it was a good move in their part either. I think this tit-for-tat is silly for UK to do, it is also not orderly for the Russians to deny justice from taking its course. UK's new government is in for a long haul with Russia to say the least, it is better to find a way to discuss the move and take some sober decision rather than inflaming the situation.

solomon, Toronto, Canada

So - you'd rather opt for appeasement?

Keith Dixon, Calgary, Canada

Is the British Government banking on Mr. Beresovsky becoming the next Russian president ? is it possible to think that "maybe" someday a thief, an assassin and a branded liar COULD become a little something in Russia ?
That's an insult to Russians, one shouldn't take them for what they are not.

Hassan Vossough, Geneva, Switzerland

The implication of this argument is that Britain should not or cannot do anything about bringing an alleged murderer to Court, because its econmic or political interests could be undermined by counter-action by Russia. This is no argument for doing nothing and turning a blind eye to murder. Someone somewhere has to stand up for principles in this murky saga. Let Russia do what it will.

david, bexley, kent

since when do we hand out passports to ex-KGB russians?
London is anything but British and has become a seperate country in it's own right. Time to get out own NATIONAL priorities right and stop playing video games for wolrd domination. Plenty of other people died in London from stab wounds recently. Good fences make good neighbours.

greg, charleroi, Belgium

Firstly, is Britain's extradition demand encouraging the Russian authority to violate their constitution? Then where is its spirit of rule of law that it so many times tries to sell to the rest of the world? Secondly, for those who want to stand up for a fight to show Britain is still a world power, I recommend you keep an
eye on all those Russian, Kosova, Pakistani gangs operating in the UK. They will destroy from within before you even reach your enemy and start playing out your heroic drama. Thirdly, if Britain could not go straight in a country and get what it wanted, the government should know by now there are limits in their capability, and admit this.

Hume, Lodon,

I find your view far too pusillanimous for my liking. Where is your spine, man?Russia has a permanent place at the UN secutiy council? So do we. Moscow can make our lives difficult on a number of foreign policy issues? We can make their lives difficult too. Sure, they have heaps of oil and gas, but that is no reason to sleep with the devil. They are already becoming the embarrassing uncle in europe, with their oafish and clumsy fist shaking at the EU on energy matters. Notice that the new UK interconnector for gas hooks up with Norwegian gas fields, not Russian ones. If Russia starts playing games with global gas and oil supply, you will soon find a raft of new (technically more expensive and difficult I grant you) fields opening up, anywhere but the former USSR. Anywhere where there is not a mad man controlling the flow.

Shane, guildford, england

I haven't understood one very basic act of Litivinenko's. Once he left Russia and became a British citizen, why did he not forget his old grudges? Why did he continue to needle the Russian establishment and put Londoners at risk? He had no business doing so. It is no different than some misguided British Muslims putting Britishers at risk on account of Palestinian-Israeli problems. A British citizen, newly minted or not, should first think about the safety and prosperity of other British citizens.

Kara Swart, London, United Kingdom

If you want someone to follow the rules of the game, you must follow it first.

Henry, Toronto, Canada

henry yang, toronto, canada

Why does Britain give refuge and succor to people like Berezovsky, who has serious cases to answer for in Russia, including charges of assassination? GB refuses to extradite him despite Russian requests. Smacks of hypocrisy to me.

Larry Rose, WA, US

This is a pathetic piece of posturing by the new boys, there are known Russian terrorists being given sanctuary in London and when the Russians unsuprisingly refuse to cooperate because of it we get legalistic. When the USA refused to extradite convicted IRA terrorists during the troubles did we expel American diplomats?

John Jarrett, Kampala, Uganda

"increasingly xenophobic and vindictive regime in Moscow."

thank`s very much. Does your Government listen to you? How many people in Britain support the war in Iraq? Don`t mention your own problems with terorists. And refuses of expelling Chechnya terorists (Zakaev etc.), Berezovski (who made a snatch of his money sellin Russian soldier`s meat in Chechnya)... France, Italy, US - their requests was also refused. We are trying to build a life, a normal life in a modern world. You should learn to trust us. Or at least try to act like you can listen when someone else speaks. Not all the people are villains, you now. We`re humans not wolfs, are we? communicate for for goodness' sake!

Russian, Siberia, Russia

Obviously, the postition of the Brits is relying heavily on double standards. While providing safe heaven to terrorists (Zakaev) and thiefs (Berezovsky) and refusing to extradite them, Britain still truly believes that it has a moral right to demand extradition of Lugovoy from Russia ))) That's hilarious.

It is well known that the Brits respect only their own laws, but not the laws of other countries (see the comment of Mr. Miliband regarding Russian Constitution). This is just another example.

I hope the arrogance of the British foreign policy will not go unpunished.

Oleg, St. Petersburg, Rossia (pronounced Ro-see-ya)

TIT-FOR-TAT--
You can't expect the Russians to give up Lugovoi while you refuse to give up Berezovsky. Oh, your judges won't allow you to give him up you say? Well the Russian Constitution won't allow Putin to give up Lugovoi. YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.
(Footnote: it's interesting to note that Brazil has just put forth a demand for Berezovsky. Will Britain give up Berezovsky to Brazil or will it let him flee to Israel?)

Arik Silverman, Milwaukee, USA

It may be a matter that is never resolved to Britain's satisfaction, but I agree that the Brit's government decision to take action is far from pointless.

Why is it always the West who has reason to fear what some unreasonable foreign country might do? Perhaps by standing up to them, we might give them pause and even a sleepless night or two.

I hardly think Putin and the Russians are as powerful, in any sense, as this article implies. If they weren't when the Soviet Union existed (and we know now they weren't), they certainly aren't now.

gb, Austin, USA

The problem is that the West got used to a Vodka drinking Yeltsin and hoped for future Russian Presidents to continue saying yes to all their effort to make Russia powerless, so that they can invade any country that says no to them by flying forged intelligence report on CNN and BBC. Britain is the only country that grants asylum to thieves the same day they arrive their country as long as their loot is fat and refuse to send them back to face trial. How do you expect Putin to hand over a Russian even in his sleep when you refused sending back rebels and thieves to Russia because of greed of what your economy will gain from their loot . By the way there is no evidence yet to show that Russia government is involved in killing the mole you gave asylum. The better option would have been to issue international arrest warrant for Mr. Lugovoy if you are sure you have a case against him and not the type the West had against Iraq because your evidence are no longer trusted after Iraq

Peter, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

I am British and don't give a damn about russia, they mean nothing. The right thing to do would be to expel even more diplomats . They better respect Britain. I am not scared of Russia and nobody else should be either.

danny, London, England

Russia is in some ways working on old Soviet structures handling foreign and some internal affairs. To give advantage to countries and companies that do not criticizes the darker side of the politics i also natural.
To isolate, to threat and sometimes to kill dissidents has been one policy which is most alien for liberal democratic systems. Few countries did stand up during the 20th century, few will this century. Thus the British Government is doing an important and admirable contribution these days. Of course people just looking on business and economic gains will not support. They never did and never will before any authoritarian regime or ideology.

Roger Almeberg, Helsingborg, Sweden

what would britain do if say the shoe was on the other foot,
and it was the russian police wanting to come to britain and investigate a crime, then russia requested a british citizen
be handed over for trial in russia, what do you think would happen?

bryan, melbourne, AUSTRALIA

I wonder, if Britain's government is willing to stand up to Russia on the supposed basis of morality, why don't they also stand up to the Arab regimes and the Islamists on their own soil? Seems more than a bit hypocritical. To claim the moral high ground, you have to have a consistent set of ethics, and this is something that the current British government and cultural elite most certainly do not. The Britain of today is not the Britain of 1940. Where is their WSC?

Alexander Smith, Binghamton, New York, USA

Are people forgetting that Britain yields a big stick, I.E. Power in the EU and NATO which Russia aspires to be close to?. There is no reason why Britain should be cowed by Russian threats of reprisal and give in to cold war policies. Perhaps if more countries took such a courageous stance Russia will hesitate to act like this again.

Joe Ferral, jerusalem, israel

I am waiting on the rising of Soviet Union again, since the disintegrtaion of great Soviet Union,The west in generally and USA/UK specifically targeting everybody including individuals.
The rising of Soviet Union is a strong desire of the oppressed nations around the world. Come on USSR the world needs you more than ever!

Khan, windsor , Canada

In just two weeks Gordon Brown has managed to fall out with the American and Russian governments. That is not a particularly productive record.

R. Fowler, Braunton, U K

There is no extradition treaty agreement with Russia. Would you go to Russia to be cross examined for an alleged part in a crime?
I would expect my Government to defend me. However, I think that Brown has played the political card far too early and I can only assume that he is trying to make a point to the British public 3 days before 2 by-elections. Diplomacy is always done behind closed doors. I would not be at all surprised if the two leaders have already agreed a deal and are now just playing to the gallery for effect. That's what Blair always did!!

Stephen Taylor, Andover, Hampshire, England

I think two faced Brown and friends should think about extraditing wanted russian criminals before trying to take the high moral ground on the justice issue...

xxx, xxx, xxx

"Britain picks a fight"? Did Britain murder Litvinenko?

Should Britain not act because it might bring an "unpleasant" reaction?

Get a backbone.

Patrick Farmer, Nassau, Bahamas

It was good to read Richard Beeston's mature words.

Fully agree, GB is risking a bruising battle against Russia which she cannot. win... in fact is has already lost.

Major mistake from Gordon Brown.

Greg, New York,

I will take Brown and Milbrand over Beeston any day.

Lewis B. Sckolnick, Leverett, MA/USA

It doesn't matter if we don't win. Justice must be seen to be done, Britain is being seen as trying to do justice and Russia is being seen as trying to prevent it from being done. This poor man died in a horrible way, if this reaction from us prevents the Russians from murdering others in a like fashion, that's win enough for me.

Susan, Barry, S Wales

Why chosing the exhausting path of confrontation? Let the Russian tribunal decide on this case to get more clarity on the facts. The expelled diplomats have surely nothing to do with the murder.

Joachim Kappert, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Gordon better hope it doesn't trigger a tit-for-tat interruption of gas supplies. On the other hand, that's got more chance than a vote of no confidence in the Commons...

Anyone know Putin's phone number?

KR, Stockport,

Two fighters. One big, one small. They both know that the big fighter will probably win, but also that the small fighter will fight at the slightest provocation, every single time.

The big fighter soon learns that although he may win the fight, the small fighter will inflict heavy damage before accepting defeat, every single time - it's a costly affair best avoided.

Richard, Ireland,

Another classic case of British hypocrisy. It's like a black pot calling a kettle black. So many times in the past did the British government denied Russian request for the extradition of Russian terrorists and political crooks who are having their safe haven in Britain. It even refused to return the billions of pounds carted away by the corrupt oligarchs (now deposited in British banks) back to Russia. How shameful that Britain has provided refuge to Chechen terrorists and refused to extradite them back to Russia, in total contradiction to its firm and vocal stand on the war against terrorism. But Russia kept its silence and never allowed the issue from being overblown in the media. And now, British officials are loudly crying foul for exactly the same thing they are guilty of rejecting before. Another "Holier than Thou" attitude?. Britain got to earn respect by throwing out its "double-standard" attitude out of the window.

Botsakis Garutitis, Athens, Greece

I think one thing seems to have been overlooked. Yes, one person was murdered in London by horrific means. But also a few hunded people both British and businessmen and tourist s from other nationalitiies have become contaminated with Polonium 210. These pepole are now facing an uncertain future with regards to their health and should not just be forgotten. The ultimate cost to human lives may far exceed the London bombings. Are the people who argue that this action may hurt trade prepare to countenance this?

Steve, Kendal, Cumbria

Your comment that "Britain picks a fight that it cannot win" is ridiculous. A british citizen was murdered in a most hideous way by a most brutal regime. What is our Government expected to do; sit on their hands and do nothing?. Whatever action Moscow decides in retalliation is irrelevant. The fact is they commited a heinous crime in our Country which cannot go unpunnished.

S.L.Green, Colchester, UK.

Sorry, but i do not believe there is an extradition treaty between the two countries. Precisely the reason the Russian Kleptocrats come to live here. Brown has no leg to stand on and has given in to the spooks on this one.

Brown/Miliband's action can only be justified if they have clear evidence that the Russian state itself was responsible for this murder. Let's see the evidence.

I do not see what the UK government hopes to achieve by this. It's not a question of standing up to a bully. I honestly believe this is part of some bizarre clandestine plan. I am as right wing as the next man and suffer none of the national self loathing affecting so many Brits, but in t he UK we have no idea of this country's image abroad. The UK is seen by many abroad as the home of intrigue, conspiracy and covert activities. This whole affair just reeks of it. Only people in Britain will interpret this as the plucky underdog standing up to the bully.

Martin , Solihull,

....and our secret services haven't ever killed our enemies on foreign soil????

peter, London, UK

Whats Russia going to do?
Cut off gas supplies to the UK?
Nationalise our billions of investment?

Both will harm Russia more than us.

The EU's energy policy would force Russia to suspend all its gas sales, and go bankrupt rather quickly.
Nationalising our investment would cut off all investment into the country, something Russia cant do without.

Dominic, Manchester, UK

Alexander Litvinenko was a spy who defected and gave information to our gov. If the boot was on the other foot would the British spy be charged with treson? Alexander Litvinenko may also have been a political suicide bomber.

n cliff, norwich,

I made this same comment months ago that Blairs government was helpless to extradite anyone from Russia and that sending plod on a sightseeing tour of Moscow was a waste of money. Still I suppose they like to go through the motions to pretend they've got some clout but it all ends up with them looking stupid once more.

Mike, Alicante, Spain

Just tell me how many of the Chechen and kashmiri terrorists were given asylm in Britain??. These thugs and others who looted their own country are given asylm in UK. The brits say that they dont have wnough faith in other countries justice department when other countries request for the extradition of these terrorists and thugs.
Brits have no moral right to do this.
So, dont wine about not getting extradited from Russia.
First clean up your house and extradite all the chechen and kashmiri terrorists.

Arul, singapore, singapore

Russia demanded that we extradite chechen terrorists and the oligarchs that robbed Russia of billions of pounds. We refused. Why should the Russians extradite THEIR citizens to the UK, when we refuse to extradite RUSSIAN citizens back to Russia???

David, Manchester, UK

There can't be anyone left in the world who hasn't realised by now that Britain will no longer defend itself. Threaten us enough and we'll ultimately concede.

Ellen Morris, Leeds,

Now, if only we weren't so scared of Saudi Arabia, we could stand up to them and BAE as well.

Jack Thursby, Sheffield,

I have for some time been extremely puzzled by our government's demand that Russia extradite Lugovoi. Russia seems to have a cast-iron reason for its refusal to do so, based on its constitution (and, indeed, our own law does not permit the likes to Berezovsky to be extradited to Russia). Why do our government seemingly ignore this point, and what on earth do they hope to gain by their present action? If there is evidence that the Kremlin was behind the Litvinenko murder, we should be told, and the evidence for that should be revealed. Otherwise, Brown and Miliband may have done serious damage to our country for no good reason.

Cathy, Bristol, UK

No country can afford for reasons of political expediency to abandon the principle of rule of law. For the remainder of his life or while the warrant for his arrest is active Andrei Lugovoy will know he is liable to arrest and extradition the moment he steps out of Russia.

A Holmes, Auckland, NZ

Giving in to a bully is the best way of encouraging the bully... Peter Beaumont, Yorkshire, UK

Precisely why the Russians rightfully will not bend any longer to any asinine requests or demands from the West. They offered cooperation with their terms, the UK declined. They never said case closed.

Typical British hypocrisy - either our way, or no way!

Paul, Portland, Oregon / USA

A very Chamberlain like take on the matter.

Kevin Smith, London, England

Although being english, i have to agree that if Britiain happilly welcome chechen terrorists and harbour Oligarchs who have earnt their money from corruption at the expense of millions of Russians then why should we expect Russia to hand over Andrei Lugovoy??

the opposite side to this argument however is that we in england would try Andrei Lugovoy in a court of law fairly and if found guilty would send him to jail for a very long time... However Mr Putin would not be quite as reasonable in his treatment of those he feels have wronged him or "his" nation.

Britain will never win this fight, but good on them for trying!!

Richard, Nyon, Switzerland

Your comment states that one of the reasons why Britain cannot win this argument is that Russia is one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council and could life very difficult for Britain. Forgive me for pointing this out, but Britain is also a member and could easily make life difficult for Russia. I agree with Peter from Yorkshire, we have more to lose by caving in than by standing firm. After this last 12 months we need to show we are a strong world power once again. We cannot, and should not, be bullied by arrogant, bent states.

BaldockBaldrick, Baldock, UK

"Britain picks a fight it cannot win". Probably true, but you could have said exactly the same about our situation in 1938 after Hitler's threats to Czechoslovakia.

Then we decided to appease the dictator, and we all know what happened next.

Russia is set on a path of confrontation. Domestically it has moved away from democracy, respect for human rights and free speech. Internationally it has moved to confrontation with an electronic attack on Estonia, a gas blockade of Georgia (and others) and a trade war with Poland.

Appeasement will do no good. Brown is right to make a stand, even if this one is a hard one to win.

Andrew Turvey, Nottingham, England

Much as I'm inclined to support the action of the brit. against Kremlin for a crime Moscow wa trying to cover up. i will suggest for the purpose of peace, that the two countries come to a mutual understanding on way forward; resolving the issue amicably. Britain may presumed taking such action will prevent future re-occurrence of such notorious acts. Perhaps or perhaps not. Considering the fact that the two countries have a strategic influence on global affairs. I belief engagement of the two countries on constructive resolution of their differences will be in the interest of the position the occupy in the world stage.

Gee, DC, USA

Expulsions are a very unwise and certainly pointless move - sure, it's a rock and a hard place situation, but nothing will be gained from this posturing, and there is no point in having a fight you can't win - we have very little to threaten by way of punishment on Russia with, whereas British interests are heavily exposed. It is surely yet more headline driven politics - NuLab are still more bothered about what people will say that what the right thing to do might be. It truly is like being governed by youngsters, arrogant in their ignorance and supposed intelligence.

Andy Iddon, London, UK

Little old Britain actually has a bigger economy than Russia, so why be afraid? We can manage without them if it gets nasty and their billionaires will still come here and spend their cash. Russia has plenty to loose as well. Other countries may not be so eager to replace the UK in Russian investments, the risks of dealing with them will be obvious for all to see

Adrian, Essex,

i think Britain is entirely reasonable in demanding the extradition of Mr.Lugovoy.Of course Russia should not object when Britain grants asylum to Chechen terrorists,or Oligarchs decamping with ill gotten gains.Russia should allow British oil
company to buy up oil concessions at bargain basement prices.Putin should practice western style democracy.Like the one practiced by the vice-president of the USA,or the twins
ruling Poland or the rulers of the Baltic states.He should also agree to sell gas and oil to Ukraine and Georgia at half the
market price,even if these countries havent a good word for him.He should treat Chechenia with kid gloves as the USA and the European Union are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan.He should also instruct his rep at the UNO to raise his hand without question when the USA and EU introduce any resolution.If he did all these very reasonable things then the USA and EU may put in a good word for him.For sheer hubris I dont think there is any parallel anywhere

K.S.Nirody, Geneva, Switzerland

It may be a fight Britain cannot win. Yet that view is more sportive than diplomatic. Is it not, before anything else, a case that must be done in public, and to the great public.

Because it is the question of more than a murder. There was also a definitively irresponsible public use of a poison with very wide lethal potential, not really necessary to kill a man.

So the horror do not lie only in the picture of the slow dying, it too like a calculated terror act, destined to frighten others. The sheer use the polonium is a matter of the calculated demonstration of perverse mentality. It can not be just forgotten for the fear of reaction of the prime suspect.

The case should anyway be further cleared, or publicized. If the
CPS can not bring a suspect into a court, the material and technical facts should be made fully public.

Penttijuhani, Copenhagen, Denmark

Giving in to a bully is the best way of encouraging the bully. We may have to face unpleasant reactions from a vindictive regime in Moscow, just as we have to face unpleasant reactions from a vindictive regime hiding in a cave in Afghanistan, but so be it. Right is on our side in both cases and we lose more by caving in than we lose by standing firm.

Peter Beaumont, Yorkshire, UK