Doctors Recount Harrowing Experience Treating Russian Spy’s Daughter, While Former British Soldier Denies Espionage Allegations

In a recent inquiry, Dr. Stephen Cockroft, an intensive care consultant at Salisbury District Hospital, shared his astonishing experience of treating Yulia Skripal, the daughter of Russian spy Sergei Skripal, after they were poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok in 2018. Dr. Cockroft testified that he initially believed Yulia Skripal would never recover, but was surprised when she began to regain consciousness. He recalled a nurse notifying him of her unexpected awakening and his efforts to prevent her from removing an intravenous drip as she emerged from her coma.

The Skripals were initially treated for an opioid overdose, but doctors quickly suspected poisoning. Dr. Cockroft and Dr. James Haslam, another consultant, discussed the possibility of exposure to highly toxic substances like carfentanil or nerve agents. The inquiry highlighted the challenging medical situation and the broader community concerns about potential additional casualties. The doctors’ swift suspicion of nerve agent poisoning was crucial in providing the intensive medical support necessary to keep the Skripals alive.

In a separate development, a former British soldier, Daniel Khalife, is on trial for allegations of espionage for Iran. Khalife testified that he had consented to travel to Iran but intentionally disrupted the mission due to fear of repercussions if his handlers discovered the fabricated information he provided. He denied gathering sensitive military data for Iran and other allegations, including escaping from Wandsworth Prison. Khalife explained that his handlers expected him to report to Tehran, but he feigned fear over the age of the aircraft to avoid the trip.

Khalife’s defense emphasized that the images on his phone, presented as evidence, were screenshots from internal Army communications and not sensitive information for a foreign entity. His testimony and the ongoing trial continue to unravel the complexities of his alleged involvement with Iranian intelligence.