Tusk calls Russian artist's murder in Poland a 'political execution'

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that the killing of a Russian dissident artist in Poland was a "political execution." The victim, 44-year-old Robert Kyzofkov, who used the artistic name Semyon Skrepeczky, was shot at close range in the city of Biała-Podlaska.

Tusk suggested that if the order came from Russia, it would represent a "very serious issue with international dimensions." Polish authorities reported that Skrepeczky was attacked by a man who shot him three times with a handgun before approaching and firing two more shots at close range as he lay on the ground. The artist had reportedly declined protection offered by Polish intelligence services.

Two Belarusian nationals were apprehended in connection with the case but have since been released. Investigations to identify the perpetrator are ongoing. The murder may escalate the already strained relations between Poland and Russia, particularly following a drone incident attributed to Moscow in autumn 2025.

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Everything indicates that it was a political murder.

Skrepeczky was known for his provocative sketches depicting Russian political figures like Vladimir Putin and Joseph Stalin. After relocating to Poland in 2021, citing fears of political persecution in Russia, he continued his critical stance and participated in Russian opposition events. He had also criticized the Ukrainian government on social media, leading to his address being published by the controversial Ukrainian website Myrotvorets.

This killing adds to a pattern of attacks against opponents of the Russian regime abroad, including the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko in the UK in 2006 and the Novichok attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal in 2018. Moscow has consistently denied involvement in such incidents, but the Skrepeczky case is likely to fuel suspicions and political disputes in Warsaw.

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If it was ordered by Russia, then it is also a very serious issue with international dimensions.