Russian embassy criticises Foreign Office for failing to grant visa to Sergei Skripal's niece

Claiming refusal is 'politically motivated', it says it 'cannot but cause regret'

The Russian embassy has accused the British Foreign Office of failing to answer questions on why former spy Sergei Skripal’s niece has been refused a visa to visit him and his daughter, Yulia.

Viktoria Skripal has appealed to Theresa May for permission to come to the UK and visit her relatives after she was denied access by the British embassy in Moscow.

Claiming the UK has “something to hide”, she vowed to fight on until she can see her cousin and uncle, saying she would take her case to the United Nations if prevented.

Confirming the refusal, a Home Office spokesman said her application “did not comply with the immigration rules”.

The Russian embassy has now accused the Foreign Office of failing to answer questions over why Ms Skripal was not given a visa and described its response as “disappointing”.

The refusal, it said, “cannot but cause regret”.

Repeating its charge, it said that the decision not to issue a visa was “politically motivated” and raised questions about the reasoning behind it.

After receiving news of the refusal, Ms Skripal told Sky News she wanted to visit the pair in person so she could “truthfully” report back on their condition to relatives.

She said: “The whole world is now talking about an unprecedented political scandal, but real people are at the epicentre of this scandal. This is our family, which really needs to be together now.

“If Yulia sees this, I want her to see we love her and will always wait for her. I will fight for her till the end. If I can’t do it here, I will go to the United Nations and if I can’t do it this way, I will walk, I will hitchhike across the border illegally.”

A Russian state TV channel had earlier released a recording of what it claimed was a phone call between Ms Skripal and her cousin, Yulia.

Viktoria asked Yulia: “Is everything OK with you?”

She replied: “Everything is OK, all is well … we’ll sort things out as we get to them.” The pair discussed the possibility of Viktoria coming to the UK and Yulia said: “No one will give you a visa, Vika.” As the conversation progressed, Yulia explained that her father, Sergei, is “fine, resting and sleeping now, everyone’s health is OK”.

Doubts have been raised about the recording’s authenticity, as officials continue to investigate the poisoning.

The Russian embassy has requested a meeting with Boris Johnson to discuss the “situation in Salisbury”.

The Foreign Office said it will “consider” their request and will respond in “due course”.