This is a really interesting insight. Thank you for posting. I dislike Anthony Kennedy 2% less for having read it.
When I was in 10th grade, I was very possessive of my first girlfriend. I strongly discouraged her from getting a job because I didn't want other men leering at her. I've since realized what an absurd position this was since, but she zinged me by complying in protest and getting a job working as the Easter Bunny in a shopping mall.
I have a hard time believing that the only possible source for this compound was Russia. These molecules were probably hard to develop and synthesize in the 1960s and 1970s, but a state sponsored lab willing to violate chemical weapon development bans would not break a sweat to recreate it if the structure was known.
The idea that identifying the chemical agent as novichok implies Russian guilt is painfully hollow. It depends on accepting the premise that no one else would develop the weapon because they signed a treaty promising not to.
I hope the investigation publishes their findings and all of the work product that went into building whatever conclusions they reach.
Spot the ZH readers.