Man arrested in Poland over killing of Putin critic

Polish police have arrested a man suspected of involvement in the murder of a Russian artist who was critical of President Vladimir Putin, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The suspect, who was apprehended using a Georgian passport, is now the focus of an investigation to identify who commissioned the killing. Tusk stated on the social media platform X that the artist's death, which occurred on Monday, was likely a "political murder." He added that if Russia was behind the commission, it would represent a "very serious matter with an international dimension."

“

Services are working to establish the mastermind.

The victim, identified as Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov, was fatally shot in Biala Podlaska, eastern Poland. Officials reported that an unidentified assailant shot him three times with a handgun, then fired two more shots at close range after the artist fell.

Skrepetsky, who moved to Poland in 2021 citing fears of political persecution, was known for his provocative caricatures of prominent Russian political figures. He had previously been offered protection by the Polish government, but declined it. Two Belarusian citizens were briefly detained in connection with the case but have since been released.

“

If it was commissioned by Russia, then this is also a very serious matter with an international dimension.