Polish PM Tusk: Russian activist's death likely 'political assassination'

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk believes there is substantial evidence suggesting the recent death of Russian activist Robert Kuzovkov, also known as Semyon Skrepetski, was a "political assassination." Tusk cautioned that if Moscow is confirmed to have ordered the killing, it would amount to "state terrorism." The activist was fatally shot on Monday in Biała Podlaska, a town near the Belarusian border.

The investigation faces complexities, as Tusk noted the difficulty in identifying a "hitman." He also revealed that both the police and the Internal Security Agency had previously offered Kuzovkov official protection, which he declined for unknown reasons. This occurred despite the artist reporting serious threats just an hour before he was gunned down. The assassination took place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM in a public parking lot.

According to prosecutors, an unidentified man fired three shots at Kuzovkov. After the victim fell, the assailant approached and delivered two more fatal shots at close range. Forensic examination confirmed five bullet entry wounds to the head and chest. Kuzovkov, 44, was a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and had been living in exile in Poland since 2021. He had participated in a protest outside the Russian Embassy in Berlin just three days before his death.

Two Belarusian citizens arrested in connection with the case have since been released. Tusk stated that there was no evidence directly implicating the suspects in the murder. The investigation continues, with authorities working to gather concrete proof.