There is no alternative conclusion,

other than that the Russian state was culpable for the attempted murder of Mr. Skrypal and his daughter.

The United Kingdom will now expel 23 Russian diplomats,

who have been identified as undeclared intelligence officers.

They have just one week to leave.

Hello!

That's Prime Minister Theresa May of Great Britain with what passes for strong talk in the modern world.

And that's supposed to do something I don't think it will do anything.

I think Putin's laughs at that sort of thing.

Well, let me explode my diplomats.

Oh!

Let's ask our learned guest, Edward Lucas, who formerly senior editor at the Economist.

Now Senior Vice President at the Center for European Policy Analysis,

also a writer and consultant, specializing in European, trans-Atlantic security.

Mr. Lucas, how are you, sir?

Well, good morning.

Great to be on the show.

Oh, thank you.

So, Jack characterized the response by Theresa May as somewhat less than devastating.

Would you agree or how do you assess it?

Well, I think it's a fine first step,

but I'm very troubled if there isn't any more to follow it up.

...