[apocalypto]

I remain skeptical. Why would Russians use a chemical that can be easily traced to Russia when they could just have the victim shot instead? I don't believe the Russians are that dumb.

Then there are the Brits and their fake reports re Trump and Russians and our own President Bush lying about WMD.

The present hysteria by crazy McCain and other Washington insiders to push us into a war with Russia and Syria and Mueller's abnormal obsession with all things Russia makes one doubt many of the claims.

[McGruff]

...Why would Russians use a chemical that can be easily traced to Russia...

BINGO. Others might want to make it look like they did though.

[nuconvert]

“Why would Russians use a chemical that can be easily traced to Russia when they could just have the victim shot instead?”

Well, they’ve done that too.
Putin doesn’t really care if he gets the blame, because he’s real good at denying and he knows there’s not a whole lot anyone will do aside from kicking out some diplomats and leveling a few sanctions. He’ll just keep denying and eventually it will be water under the bridge.

[nuconvert]

To answer your first question, you might want to read this. I think it paints an accurate picture of Putin

http://observer.com/2018/03/theresa-may-announces-measures-against-russia-for-sergei-skripal-case/