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Share your theories

Posted: Friday, February 23, 2007 6:26 PM by Dateline Editor
Filed Under:

What did you think of the death of Alexander Litvinenko? Share your theories below.

(FILES) A handout image released 20 Nove

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Comments

I am watching the program and enjoying your coverage very much. But why have you not mentioned that Litvinenko and the other woman assasinated were of Ukrainian ethinic origin ? This is of great political significance especially in view of the the current situation in the ukrainian government.

Marta Kushnir (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:29 PM)

I think it was irresponsible for NBC to make accusations with out spefic proof that the Kremlin was involved.

D D Chase (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:01 PM)

go to prima-news.ru/eng to read more about the political situation in Russia.

I personally wouldn't put ANYTHING past Putin

mkeeney, New York (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:02 PM)

I thought this story was very one sided...you guys did not bring out the fact that Litvineko was connected to chechin rebel forces...that these ties were a threat not only to russia but also to the world...the united states media needs to stop trying to reignite a cold war!

j (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:03 PM)

One theory is that Litvinenko had converted to Islam and was poisoned as he was trying to develop his own trigger mechanism to a suitcase nuke.

John Doe, Camden, NJ (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:03 PM)

There is no question that the Kremlin ordered this.  Putin at least knew about it and probably ordered it himself.  

Jerry Stackhouse, Miami, Fl (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:04 PM)

Deny, deny, deny and eventually justice will be sought. This is going to be a very tricky case to solve, but something will turn up. I also enjoyed the coverage. Very good statements from witnesses. The Russian government seems very suspiscious to me. When he was making the statement about not having any involvment in the murders he was looking off to his left. I hope this crime is solved soon and justice is brought for that poor woman.

Jamie, Troy, NY (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:07 PM)

As disturbing as the information was, I wanted to say I thought Ann did her usual great job of reporting.
Do any of the other mysterious deaths have similar links?

jack marcellus Williamstown NJ (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:07 PM)

It was interesting 2 read the above comment in regards 2 the  Ukranian connection. I believe that the two partners (unaware)were used to kill Litvinenko by the you know who.
J.Bridges-Purifoy

June Bridges (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:07 PM)

The US media is complicit in hiding the fact that the Cold War never ended.  The Soviets have pulled the wool over our eyes.  The media is hiding that this empire is retooling their military at break-neck speed, with our tax dollar assistance.

Jack Spratt, Houston, TX (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:07 PM)

The KGB is alive and well

Lucy Venditti (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:08 PM)

Russians are too smart to do something so obvious that it would point the finger at them. It could have been anybody even in the west, to make it look like a Russian plot.The way the world is today, it could have been anybody, including a business deal gone wrong.The possibilities are endless.

Richard E. (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:10 PM)

There are no theories who killed A.Litvinenko.
There is no doubt who did this:KGB!!!
The person who order this is V.Putin, former agent KGB and current Russia president. I'm russian and everybody who lived in Russia (and knows Soviet rezim and can analyze, not just drink) absolutelly conviced that Putin put his hands on this.

Peter, Chicago (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:11 PM)

The case is complicated to say the list. It could be Litvinenko himself, who poisoned himself eccidentally, while handlaing dangerous plutonium. It could be his wife, scared of him provoking threats towards their family. Pollonium also could be planted into lab results after Litvinenko's death with purpose of blaming Moscow. Situation of rebellious journalist suspisious of Moscow's revenge was perfect for
that. Plus, pollonium contaminated fish could come from British seas, making it highly desirable to turn attantion of the public away, toward Moscow.

G. Elrod Deltona, FL. (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:12 PM)

 I think this is part of what President Bush was talking about with Hussane, the chemicals and bioligical warfare has been going on for awhile but noone want's to see the truth. Sure Puten had somthing to do with this but what is anyone going to do is it is found that he directly was responsible?
 This will be interesting to follow and see just what happen's. Also remember we gave Sadam a month to get rid of his chemicals and all and where did it go back to the one's who supplies it, just like what is still going on now.

Harry Travis , 3306 lima trail, Missouri valley, Ia 51555 (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:13 PM)

There is in fact one theory that may not have been explored. The killed russian spy's wife might have been blackmailed secretely if she had relatives left in Russia. If that was the case she had to choose between her beloved husband and her family.
She seemed honest, but if this theory is correct, she is also a victim and her tears might have not been faked, even if what lies under is.

Charles Skenley (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:18 PM)

The spy world is the dark world just like the mafias.  Killing are nothing new for one is deemed as betrayer.  Yes, the top level is involved because they are former KGB agents whose minds are brainwashed to be loyal and capable to kill with no emotion.

James Doe, Wash (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:19 PM)

I have no theory, but a question.  Since that poison is powerful, what about the cup and spoon?  Would it be a concern to the person who handled and washed them or even the next user?  Doesn't sound like soap and water would purify them?  What about his apartment was any of the poison found there?  Seems as though his wife and child could have been affected?  Would be interested in Sylvia Brown's(Physic) thoughts on this.  I can easily believe what I heard.  Do I believe that Russian individual who said all of the poison is accounted for?  I wasn't born yesterday!  I am so sorry for the widow and child!  I pray that they will remain unharmed! What is the half-life of this poison?  Even if they would have identified the poision early, I would imagine that nothing could have been done.

Herbert Campbell, Monticello, Indiana, 47960 (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:22 PM)

All of the people in the FSU and Russia have known for years that their government is run by the mafia, is full of corruption, and are a bunch of murderers.  Yushenko and Timishenko tried to block all of this in Ukraine, and even Yushenko himself was poisoned, probably by Putin, since he was not his first choice.  Kuchma was in bed with Putin and both endorsed Yanukovich - another murderer.  

rob, San Diego (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:24 PM)

Dignity and honor..are the words used in disguise to kill Alex. I wouldn't doubt a bit that it came from Putin himself a "sweet revenge", its more a personal game which he won, he used his KGB skills in implementing the plan. Forget about the west creating a one side story(BS), or alex is chechan...etc...the bottom line is,as we all here are trying to critic each other in here...the one who has the last laugh(Putin) is happily smiling to himself every night when he goes to bed of how successful he was in implementing his plan, "A perfect KGB Brain Mr.Putin"

DK,Oklahoma (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:26 PM)

Russia hasn't changed, the only thing that changed about Russia is the name.  KGB is obviously thriving and Putin is in charge pulling all the strings.  Soviet tactics are being used today as they have been during the Communist era because communists still run the show.

Y. T. in Missouri (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:31 PM)

I think it's obvious that Litveneko was killed by somebody who wants to put a shadow on the Kremlin. (probably Berezovskiy was really interested in that)
I'm absolutely sure that the Kremlin didn't order the murder of Litvenenko

Alex, New York, NY (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:32 PM)

I thought that the story was very anti-Kremlin as a whole.  I think that the story severely down played the fact that there is bad blood between Vladimir Putin and Boris Berezovsky, therefore down playing a motive for Berezovsky to attempt to frame the Kremlin.  
While the story showed much "evidence" against the Kremlin, I thought it was interesting that it also included the bit that the Kremlin can account for 100 percent of its Polonium-210!  
I'm not calling Putin, Nikolai Patrushev (Director of the FSB), or anyone else within the administration with the authority to order such a murder a saint by any means, but there is a lack of hard evidence linking the Kremlin to Litvenenko's murder.  

On a side note: I don't think that Anne Curry could pronounce slain journalist Anna Politovskaya's name (throughout the story, she only referred to her as "Litvenenko's friend")!!! Did anyone else notice??

Matt, Columbia, South Carolina (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:38 PM)

How about many Russian journalists that spoke against Putin's policy and were killed? Did somebody also wanted to put a shadow on the Kremlin?

N (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:40 PM)

It is known that fish in modern time seas is containing pollonium ( and plutonium, and uranium), especially fish from the coastal areas, where all the industrial waste goes. Whoever supplied fish to that restourant  does not want to loose his business face, so where you go, another mafia of sorts, protecting its face by any price, especially that that people do not think twice to make Russian reputation a goat of escape.
It is them, the world's public, that are still not forgiving Russian its  years of socialism.. May be it's time to get over it and move on.

G. Elrod Deltona, FL. (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:42 PM)

to N
In Russia many journalists that speak against Putin, every day!!! for example on "Echo Moscow" radio. But nobody killed :)))

Alex, NY, NY (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:49 PM)

There is nothing in comparison to the tragedy, that russian KGB colonel (sorry, president) have done to the citizens of his own country, people of Chechnya. He killed thousands innocent... And anyone who would try to investigate this crime is a target for KGB-FSB. Politkovskaya, Litvinenko, ...?

Joe M, Germantown, Maryland (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:49 PM)

Once again, I don't mean to refer to Putin as a saint.  However, one would have to ask the question: Why would the Kremlin use a chemical like Polonium-210 that can be traced all over Europe? Why not just put a single bullet in his head and be done with it?

I think the use of a chemical shows that someone wanted to make Litvenenko's murder an international headline and cast a bad light on the Russian government, something that the Kremlin would surely NOT want if it was responsible.  

Matt, Columbia, South Carolina (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 8:55 PM)

He could get very ill, if he ate Blowfish (Fugu), Globe fish, Swell fish, Puffer fish or fish of the order Tetraodonitiformes, that contain a deadly poison (Tetrodotoxin).

G.E. Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:11 PM)

So, perhaps these same people who poisoned Yushenko also wanted to cast a bad light on the Kremlin?  Pure rubbish.  Not to mention all of the other coincidental killings of govt officials and journalists uncovering some kind of corruption within the govt.

gr (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:13 PM)

If, only if, Putin erases the traces of his Chechna related deeds, then there can be parralels in a Bush's dealing with those who disagree with his methods. In this case Americans have to look first of all into their own yard and work on straightening things up.

G. E. Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:16 PM)

I believe top guys in Russia were responsible.

Connie, Arizona (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:20 PM)

Since POLONIUM-210 has been identified as the cause of Litvinenko's death, and since the Russian (aka United Socialist Soviet Republic...USSR) nuclear industry produces gobs of this stuff shouldn't it be easy to check the books to determine if anything is unaccounted for. If pooty Putin had knowledge or input of the poisoning, being the former head of the KGB who really expects him to step up and say "yeah we poisoned the rat."  

Norm, Largo,FL (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:22 PM)

Who killed Alexander Litvinenko? Follow the money, only a state government can afford Polonium 210 (Po-210).  
Polonium 210 is extremely expensive, from DOE Oakridge Y12 plant it cost around $3200 per micro curry (1 millionth of a curry) with a lethal dose being around 512 micro curry; therefore a lethal dose cost around $1,640,000.  A drink with this isotope would easily require 10 time the lethal dose level.  A fast flux reactor at Oakridge is the only US source.  A similar fast flux reactor in Russia is their only source.  This material is not from radioactive waste.  Waste material with this high of a level of Po-210 in it would have been easily traced and to hot to handle without protection.
Po-210 has a 138 day half-live meaning this isotope is a made to order material not economical storable.  
Jim Dilts, San Antonio

Jim Dilts, San Antonio, Tx (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:25 PM)

I'm pretty sure that Lugovoi and Kovtun murdered Litveneko.  However, I'm not so sure that it was on orders of President Putin.  Many things are done in the name of such an important political figure by informed and influential underlings who often keep the boss out of the loop.  Any high government official with access to Polonium could have influenced the two men with money or promises of power to do the deed.  Perhaps Russia should be asked to permit UN weapons inspectors, or Scotland Yard to inventory their cache of Polonium.  

Bobbi, Denver, CO (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:26 PM)

Berezovskiy is the one who should be investigated more thoroughly. With his billions of dollars it probably would not be too difficult for him to obtain Polonium-210 and arrange a murder that would clearly point to Kremlin. While in Russia, Berezovskiy was involved in fraud, corruption and was possibly behind the murder of a Forbes reporter. In order to avoid arrest in Russia, he escaped and obtained asylum in England. Berezovskiy stated in 2006 that he would like to overthrow Putin's government.As a clear enemy of Putin, Berezovskiy had motivation to cast Putin in a bad light.

Anna Moskalenko (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:39 PM)

putin and russia will launch a nuclear atttack on the united states.china will help them
communism is alive and well,
and america will lose . world war 3
we are fools and will learn to late
many will die and we will see the rise of the antichrist.
yes im crazy so was john the baptist.
hug your wives and children for our end days are near.
the media and the goverment have failed us.
not since the times of noah we will see complete distruction,
thence we will receive the mark of the beast.
my prayers are with you ,
for we have lost our way
and theres only one who can save our world now.
i pray for his mercy
they called her mad
this is her website
she is in heaven fufilled her mission.
may i be so lucky.

douglas little mahopac ny (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:39 PM)

I think simplicity is the answer. He was failing financialy as was his column. Two trusted freinds smuggle the poison out, a last meal, confides to his best freind, then poisons himself. His beloved son and wife are famous, innocent of his self-sacrifice, and financialy stable. A Kremlin witch hunt?  

JIMMIE VEE RUIDOSO,N.M. (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:40 PM)

I think simplicity is the answer. He was failing financialy as was his column. Two trusted freinds smuggle the poison out, a last meal, confides to his best freind, then poisons himself. His beloved son and wife are famous, innocent of his self-sacrifice, and financialy stable. A Kremlin witch hunt?  

JIMMIE VEE RUIDOSO,N.M. (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:44 PM)

Ok guys, lets go back to reality here. do you seriously think that russian government was stupid enough to just order a murder of some guy (who was fired from FSB) using plutonium 210??? So everyone would point fingers at mr. Putin as the the largest producer of this substance? I don't think so. If the Sasha Litvinenko was such a threat to Russia, don't you think there's other ways to "get rid of the guy"? Simple shot in the head as was mentioned in the program. Some may say that mr. Putin wanted to show the West that Russia still has alot of nuclear potential. Again, do you think he is out of his mind to make such a lame move and murder his ex KGB agent who spoke against Russia?. Putin is a smart man (that's why he is the president of the largest country in the world). I don't deny that there could be a russian trace in this murder, but mr. Puttins involvement would be suicidal move for him. Here's another theory: There's alot of people who are interested in reanimating the cold war, it could be a simple provocation against russia's government. Remember, there's alot of countries that have access to Plutonium (including the US, France, Ireland....)

Paul A (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 9:52 PM)

Murdering  political rivals has been  part of Russian politics dating back to the old principalities  of Russ.
Of course they deny this assination.
All governments lie to protect the interests of their leaders. Take  our
Iraq war as an example.
Study Russian history and you can learn about the shear brutality and imorality of their secret police organizations. Call it the "Cheka , KGB , or FSB
it does not matter.
Westerners cannot fathom the fear and murder that have been inflicted by the secret police on their own people for centuries.
If this murder occured as a singular event one could possibly make a case for some other conclusion.
Why have all the murdered journalists (more than in any other country) been critics of Vladimir Putin's policies?
There is no free press or media in Russia anymore.
Critizize Putin and you might receive a visit from the tax police or worse.




Richard Marc Tampa, Florida (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:03 PM)

You're right Richard, Russia doesn't have the best secret service history record. But the whole mr. Putin's policy is to show the world that Russia is moving away from corruption and KGB regime. Help me understand why he would want to bring so much attention to his persona and ruin the ideology thet he was working on for 7 years bein the head of Russia?

Paul A (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:17 PM)

Putin is an old school hard-line communist, he was head of KGB for pete's sake! Moscow at a minimum knew of the plan to eliminate Lit.
If you think Moscow had nothing to do with this - you just keep livin in your sheltered American cocoon, fools!

SD, Chicago (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:26 PM)

putin probably has ties to this polloinum 210 by giving information or money to germany and sent those two men to hamburgh to pick up and carry out the task from that point. if any one who isn't all ready aware of this we are in world war three

luke karabelas (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:33 PM)

what ever happened to freedom of speech the powers that are will be forever doomed. they're making the world worse than you all think .

luke karabelas (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:38 PM)

I just want to answer guys like Paul, who think that Putin's policy "to move from corruption and KGB regime". You are very,very naive!!!
I recommend you read more about Soviet history (it is not big, just 70 years, but you'll surprise how much blood there)
Putin will always prononce right word about democracy and human rights, but  he will always do opposite, because he is a product of communistic ideology. And one of the first rule of this ideology:kill people who is not agree with it.

Peter, Chicago (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 10:50 PM)

Alls I can say is that Alex's wife wants Putin to prove he had nothing to do with it...so let's see how far his government gets at uncovering who did it...if it wasn't them...it will probably be forgotten just like we forgot about O.J....another cover up.

Lichito Smith Elizabeth, NJ (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:03 PM)

If you want to know why he "glows in the dark" and what the FSB, KGB, NKVD,GRU along with the rest of the "hard line" Soviets that still rule are really up to, read my book, Venture Capitol. It's available on Amazon.com.

John Roach, Atlanta, Georgia (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:04 PM)

Intresting. I am a Russian myself, and am 100% intrested. i suspect the 2 guys because I just watched the program. I doubt Russia murdered him, but it's possible.

Alex Sorkin, Los Angeles, California (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:05 PM)

Peter from Chicago, I just went to Russia in January 2007 and it is very different from what it used to be. Putin himself actually does try to get rid of corruption, but it is not that easy.
SD from Chicago, you are being a fool yourself.

AM (Sent Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:11 PM)



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