A Russian artist known for his criticism of President Vladimir Putin was shot and killed in Biała Podlaska, Poland. Two Belarusian nationals have been detained in connection with the execution-style murder.
The killing of a Kremlin critic in Poland highlights ongoing security concerns in Eastern Europe and raises questions about potential state involvement or influence in acts of violence against dissidents abroad.
Polish prosecutors are investigating the execution-style murder of a Russian artist and vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. The artist, identified as Robert Kuzovkov, who used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, was shot dead on Monday morning in Biała Podlaska, a city in eastern Poland near the Belarusian border. Prosecutors confirmed that Skrepetsky's artistic work included criticism of the Russian Federation's current policies. Three days prior to the incident, Skrepetsky had participated in a protest in Berlin, carrying a painting caricaturing Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Putin. According to Marcin Kozak, spokesman for the District Prosecutor's Office in Lublin, the artist was approached by an unidentified gunman who fired two shots, and after the victim fell, fired three more before fleeing. Skrepetsky died at the scene. Five shell casings and a 9mm Luger bullet were recovered. Two Belarusian citizens, aged 33 and 37, were detained near the Belarusian consulate in the city, and their role in the incident is under investigation.