My guess is that they were unwittingly snared in a sting, oversaw by British intelligence, for the purpose of 'Russia-phobia'. They came for one reason but ended up as patsies for another reason.
It's intrigue and counter intrigue. You will never fully get to the bottom of it, precisely because you're not meant to.
Pretty fairly sums it up. There are hints as to their real purpose that day, and many plausible theories. The least plausible, in fact impossible, scenario is the incoherent drivel served up by the UK govt.
I suspect that Skripal had turned again and wanted to return to Russia. Given his service for the UK intelligence agencies there would be a price to pay for his return which more readily explains the presence of the two Russians.
It also helps to explain the changing timelines and confusion over where DS Bailey was supposedly poisoned. The D notice that was issued by the UK govt. immediately on Pablo Miller and Christopher Steele also hints at motivation. Steele is the author of the infamous "Russiagate" dossier. Miller is the original recruiter and handler of Skripal when UK intel first turned him. The UK govt. immediately banned mention of either of these two in connection with the case.
Skripal knows things about UK intel and their motivation from preventing his return is self evident. Where is he now? Where is Julia who is publically accused of nothing?
Do you remember the sneaked phone call to her cousin? I think a sympathetic nurse or hospital worker had let Julia use her phone. She stated to Victoria that she wanted to return to Russia and that she and her father were ok. Once the recorded call was out there then UK intel could not claim that they were still in coma or whatever. No consular access, no proof of life of either Sergei or Julia, no contact with the family in Russia despite Sergei's mother being 91 and hasn't heard from either since. Previously Sergei called his mother every week.
The UK govt. need to prove that Sergei and Julia are alive and able to exercise free will. Pictures of a couple of Russians and impossible claims of nerve agent attacks are not sufficient.
It is the UK gov who have questions to answer, not Russia.
