The European Union said on Tuesday that the attempted murder of a former Russian spy in Britain was "shocking" and that it was ready to support Britain if asked to do so.
Britain gave President Vladimir Putin until midnight on Tuesday to explain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence.
A spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in an emailed response that the use of a military-grade chemical agent in a murder attempt on UK soil, which threatened civilians, was "shocking".
"We stand with the UK in pursuit of justice in this case and are ready to offer support if necessary."
