Kremlin says claims ex-spy was poisoned are 'sheer nonsense'

The Kremlin has dismissed allegations the Russian government poisoned a former spy, who's fighting for his life in a British hospital.

Alexander Litvinenko, 43, an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was under armed guard at a London hospital after apparently being given the deadly poison thallium a toxic metal found in rat poison.

Friends and fellow dissidents say the former KGB and Federal Security Servicecolonel, who defected to the U.K. six years ago, was targeted by the Kremlin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed allegations Russia's government was involved in the poisoning.

"There is no need to comment on statements that are pure nonsense," Peskov said Monday.

Litvinenko, who was investigating the recent murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, was moved to intensive care Sunday night after a slight deterioration in his condition. Officials at University College Hospital said he remains in serious condition with a 50/50 chance of survival after being exposed to the odourless, tasteless toxin.

Fell ill after meal

Litvinenko told reporters he became ill after a Nov. 1 meal at a sushi restaurant in London with a contact who claimed to have details about the murder. His hair started falling out about 10 days later.

London police have said they are investigating "a suspected deliberate poisoning of a man in London."

As toxic as arsenic, the poison works by knocking out the body's supply of potassium, required to maintain healthy cells.

Thallium was used by Saddam Hussein, who poisoned several of his Iraqi opponents. At least two victims survived after being treated in the United Kingdom.

The circumstances are similar to another headline-making poisoningrelated toRussia.

In 2004, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko became ill after dining with Russian security service leaders during his election campaign. Doctors later found he had been poisoned with dioxin.