Ukrainian Politician Portnov Killed in Madrid Attack

Andriy Portnov, a former senior aide to ousted pro-Russian Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, was shot dead outside the American School in Madrid’s Pozuelo suburb while dropping his children off. Witnesses reported multiple gunmen carried out the attack, firing several shots before fleeing on a motorcycle towards a nearby wooded area. Portnov, previously sanctioned by the US and EU for corruption and undermining democratic institutions, was also under investigation by Ukraine’s Security Service for alleged state treason and connections to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Emergency responders were unable to save him. The killing, seen as a professional hit, has intensified concerns about violence targeting Russian and Ukrainian expatriates in Spain since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Spanish police are investigating all possible motives, and the case has drawn international attention due to Portnov’s controversial background.