The much awaited release of Yulia Skripal from the Salisbury District Hospital after her poisoning with what UK experts say was the military-grade A234 nerve agent has made little impression on local residents, with the hospital appearing to operate business as usual. Reacting to the news Ms Skripal had been discharged, the Russian Embassy in London tweeted its congratulations but said it needed "urgent proof" that she was not being influenced. Experts are optimistic about the recovery of Yulia and Sergei Skripal and their ability to shed some light on what happened in Salisbury, despite the warning by Christine Blanshard, medical director of the Salisbury hospital, that the intoxication led to sickness and hallucinations. This is not the end of her treatment but marks a significant milestone.” She added: “Although he is recovering more slowly than Yulia, we hope that he too will be able to leave hospital in due course.” The former double agent was jailed in Russia for selling secrets to MI6 but was released as part of a spy swap deal in 2010 and settled in the UK. To date, we understand she has not done so.” The Foreign Office escalated the war of words on Tuesday, saying in a series of statements posted on social media: “Secret resettlement of Mr and Ms Skripal, barred from any contact with their family will be seen as an abduction or at least as their forced isolation.” Skripal’s release from hospital was met with a similar broadside from the UK embassy, which has repeatedly criticised the handling of the investigation into the attack.
Yulia Skripal is released from hospital. Russia says it will view any resettlement efforts by the United Kingdom as "abduction."