Key facts
- Russian artist Robert Kuzovkov, known as Semyon Skrepetsky, was killed in Biała Podlaska, Poland.
- The 44-year-old artist was shot five times at close range.
- Two Belarusian nationals were arrested near the Belarusian Consulate.
- Skrepetsky was known for his critical caricatures of Vladimir Putin.
- He moved to Poland in 2021 due to fears of political persecution.
- Kuzovkov had recently joined protests against the Putin regime.
A 44-year-old Russian artist, known for his critical caricatures of President Vladimir Putin and other Russian political figures, was shot and killed near his home in Biała Podlaska, Poland. Prosecutors identified the victim as Robert Kuzovkov, who used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky. He was reportedly approached by an unidentified man who fired two shots, then three more at close range, before fleeing. The artist died at the scene from wounds to the head, chest, and back. Two Belarusian citizens, aged 37 and 33, were arrested near the Belarusian Consulate following the incident on Monday. Skrepetsky had moved to Poland in 2021, citing fears of political persecution in Russia, and his artwork often satirized figures including Putin, Joseph Stalin, Alexei Navalny, and Ramzan Kadyrov. Polish authorities are investigating the slaying, and while they have not attributed it to Moscow, Russia has faced accusations of targeting opponents abroad since its invasion of Ukraine. Kuzovkov had recently joined protests against the Putin regime.