Russian/British relationships deteriorate over Spy Murder

One ex-KGB agent murdered, four Russian diplomats expelled, the Kremlin warns Britain it faces 'serious consequences'....all this is reminiscent of the Cold War. However let’s not get carried away, its not THAT bad. So what has happened?
In November of last year Alexander Litvinenko was murdered with a radioactive poison called Polonium-210 in London. Traces of Polonium-210 were also found in several places another former KGB agent, Mr Lugovoi, used. Mr Lugovoi is the British police chief suspect for the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. Litvinenko Russian wife has been calling for justice, something which didn’t fall upon deaf ears. The CPS announced that they wanted Lugovoi to stand trial in the UK for the murder, however the Russians refuse to extradite him to the UK. In response the British expelled four Russian diplomats, although they are unknown, sources say they are intelligence officers. British PM Gordon Brown said he will make “no apologies” for the expulsion of four Russian diplomats. He also said in Berlin:

“When a murder takes place, when a number of innocent civilians were put at risk as a result of that murder, and when an independent prosecuting authority makes it absolutely clear what is in the interests of justice, and there is n o forthcoming co-operation, then action has to be taken”

The PM also added he wanted a “good relationship” with Russia

The Russian response was from Russia’s Foreign Ministry Chief spokesman Mikhail Kamynin, who said:

“London’s position is immoral, such provocative actions masterminded by the British authorities will not be left without an answer and cannot entail the most serious consequences for Russian-British relationships”

President Putin’s spokesman added

“We don’t want to be provoked into a ping-pong game, although of course the Russian side will provide a necessary response”

Mr Litvinenko’s wide said she was “very grateful, and proud to be a UK citizen”

Analysts say the arguments have been caused by both sides looking through different tinted glasses. On the British side, there has been a murder on British soil and after all a radioactive isotope was released in London, which could’ve caused deaths of other British citizens. If we let this go on, on our streets, then what’s stopping other powers murdering their ex-pats? The Russian perspective is ‘why risk international relations over a unproved death of one man?’ and also many Russian politicians believe that the British are using Lugovoi as a scape-goat, and believe the conspiratress theory that the British are behind the murder
However, until the Russians authorise the extradition of Lugovoi, there is nothing the British can do. Under the European Convention on Extradition, 1957, the Russians have the right to refuse the extradition of a citizen. The UK have the right to request Mr Lugovoi to be tried in Russia, but Sir Ken Macdonald, director of public prosecutions, has refused the offer.