BRUSSELS: The EU has pledged to help the UK if asked in its investigation into the “shocking” attempted murder of a former Russian spy and that it was ready to support Britain. Britain gave President Vladimir Putin until midnight on Tuesday to explain how a nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union was used to strike down a former Russian double agent who passed secrets to British intelligence. A spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in an emailed response that the use of a military-grade chemical agent in a murder attempt on UK soil, which threatened civilians, was “shocking.” “We stand with the UK in pursuit of justice in this case and are ready to offer support if necessary.” Meanwhile, Donald Trump says he will talk to UK Prime Minister Theresa May later on Tuesday about the attack.