Andrey Lugovoy spoke to RT and gave his reaction to the measures taken by the British government against Russia.

Andrey Lugovoy: It's hard for me to explain all of this. British officials have put themselves in a corner when asking for my extradition, knowing that the Russian constitution doesn't allow this. They knew Russia would refuse, then the hysteria started, then they say everything here is under some pressure. All of this is being done to distract the public from the investigation that is being carried out by the Federal Security Service. 

Russia Today: Did the British investigators present any fresh evidence or proof to you personally? Or did they present any evidences at all?

A.L.: The British authorities have not contacted me so far. Earlier, I was ready to co-operate and fly to London, I only asked for an invitation. But they have never sent a formal invitation during these eight to nine months. They contacted me only once, in December, for formal questioning. And then all of a sudden comes the accusation without me being present there.

RT: What do you think about the proofs collected by the British investigation?

A.L.: I saw a recent article in a British newspaper about a barman who served drinks to us on that day. It was published just ahead of the statement made by the British Foreign Secretary. Many of the British media who contacted me today for an interview were surprised to see the barman's comments appear before such an official statement. It was no coincidence. If the Crown Prosecution Service relies only on such stupid evidence, it doesn’t appear serious.

RT: Once you told RT that you were ready to go to London if you are asked to. Are you still ready to go there?

A.L.: I cannot go to London now. I am also convinced that the British intelligence is adding fuel to this scandal. It has a huge say with British leaders, probably because of the political expediency. They say British prosecution is just, but the judges are citizens of the United Kingdom, they belong to the elite, and will pass decisions that are politically expedient, especially after these kinds of statements.

RT: If theoretically you go to London to face the court there, do you believe the British court will be unbiased to you?

A.L.: No, of course now I don’t trust them at all. And I think that all these statements offend Russia showing the attitude of the British officials to that of what is happening in our country.

RT: According to the information that you have, who do you accuse personally of the murder of Aleksandr Litvinenko?

A.L.: As for my versions of what happened with Litvinenko, I think Britain should carry out an investigation within its own intelligence, an agent of which Litvinenko was, and really check what he was up to and what kind of activity he was involved in. And his connection with Berezovsky also had fatal consequences for him.

RT: Do you feel protected as a Russian citizen?

A.L.: Certainly, I feel secure, I feel protected at least from the lies that the British officials are trying to popularise. I have never expected myself to be at a point where the interests of the two countries collide. But I really feel proud to live in such a great country as Russia is.