Yulia Skripal says she wants to return to Russia ‘in longer term’

Ms Skripal, 33, and former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, 66, were exposed to the novichok agent on March 4 in Salisbury.

They were both admitted to Salisbury District Hospital along with Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey.

The British Government said it is “highly likely” the Kremlin was behind the attack, which the Russian government has repeatedly denied.

Ms Skripal said she hopes to return to her home country “in the longer term” but does not want assistance from the Russian Embassy.

She added that she was “shocked” to wake up from a coma 20 days later and discover that they had been poisoned.

“I still find it difficult to come to terms with the fact that both of us were attacked,” she continued.

“We are so lucky to have both survived this attempted assassination.

“Our recovery has been slow and extremely painful.

“The fact that a nerve agent was used to do this is shocking.”

Ms Skripal described her treatment as “invasive, painful and depressing” and said she is “grateful to all of the wonderful, kind staff at Salisbury hospital”.

“I also think fondly of those who helped us on the street on the day of the attack,” she added.

Ms Skripal gave a statement to press on Wednesday at a location in London and asked for privacy for herself and her father.

“We need time to recover and come to terms with everything that has happened,” she added.

She continued: “I was discharged from hospital on the 9th of April and continue to progress with treatment but my life has been turned upside down as I try to come to terms with the devastating changes thrust upon me both physically and emotionally.

“I take one day at a time and want to help care for my dad till his full recovery.

“In the longer term I hope to return home to my country.

“I’m grateful for the offers of assistance from the Russian Embassy but at the moment I do not wish to avail myself of their services.”