Key facts
- Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky was shot and killed in Poland.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the killing as likely a 'political murder'.
- Tusk suggested Russian state involvement would be a serious international issue.
- Two Belarusian citizens arrested in connection were released.
- The artist had declined government protection.
- Skrepetsky was known for his critical portrayals of Russian officials.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the killing of Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky, known for his critical caricatures of President Vladimir Putin, bears the hallmarks of a political assassination. Skrepetsky, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov, was shot multiple times near his home in Biala Podlaska on Monday and died at the scene. Tusk indicated that if the assassination was ordered by Russia, it would be an extremely serious international matter and constitute state terrorism. Polish investigators initially detained two Belarusian citizens in connection with the death, but they were later released due to a lack of evidence. Authorities are continuing to collect evidence, with Tusk noting the difficulty of identifying a potential hired killer. Skrepetsky had previously been offered protection by Polish authorities but declined it. His artwork included unflattering portraits of Putin, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and other Russian officials.