Russian spy: Being an agent 'messed up' Skripal's life

Sergei Skripal regretted being "a double agent" because his life had become "all messed up", a friend of the Russian former spy has told the BBC.

Vladimir Timoshkov also said Mr Skripal did not see himself as a "traitor" because the "oath he had sworn was to his socialist Motherland, the Soviet Union, not Russia".

He added the ex-spy had asked Vladimir Putin to be allowed back into Russia.

Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia remain in a critical condition.

Vladimir Timoshkov also said Mr Skripal did not see himself as a "traitor" because the "oath he had sworn was to his socialist Motherland, the Soviet Union, not Russia".

According to Mr Timoshkov, Mr Skripal denied he was "a traitor" and had written to Russian President Vladimir Putin to ask for "complete forgiveness".

He also asked to be allowed to return to Russia because he wanted to see his mother, brother and other relatives.

The Kremlin denies receiving a letter from Mr Skripal.