In a troubling incident that underscores the tension surrounding Ukrainian politics, former politician Andriy Portnov was killed in Spain.
Gunmen Assassinate Former Ukrainian Politician Andriy Portnov in Spain
Gunmen Assassinate Former Ukrainian Politician Andriy Portnov in Spain
Andriy Portnov, a notable aide to Ukraine's former president, was fatally shot in Pozuelo de Alarcón, near Madrid.
On Wednesday morning, Spanish authorities reported that gunmen shot Andriy Portnov, a senior aide to former Ukrainian president Viktor F. Yanukovych, outside a school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a suburb of Madrid. The shooting occurred around 9:15 a.m. when police responded to an emergency call concerning a person with gunshot wounds. The Interior Ministry confirmed that Portnov was shot multiple times in the back and head while approaching his vehicle.
Details surrounding the attack remain murky as officials have not disclosed information about potential suspects or the motive behind the killing. A homicide investigation is currently underway, with witnesses indicating that multiple attackers fled the scene after the incident. Local reports suggest that Portnov was targeted near the private American School of Madrid, which has not offered any comments about the tragedy.
Portnov had a controversial political career, serving as deputy head under Yanukovych's administration from 2010 until the uprising in 2014 that ultimately expelled the president due to his pro-Moscow stance. Following this, Portnov fled to exile but maintained some level of political influence in Ukraine. It has been reported that he returned to Ukraine after the 2019 election of President Volodymyr Zelensky, though he later left the country again.
In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on Portnov and his charitable organization due to accusations of corruption and bribery. As of now, it remains unclear whether Portnov had become involved in any political activities recently prior to his assassination. This shocking violent event highlights the ongoing political instability and unrest related to Ukraine's turbulent history with corruption and foreign influence.
Details surrounding the attack remain murky as officials have not disclosed information about potential suspects or the motive behind the killing. A homicide investigation is currently underway, with witnesses indicating that multiple attackers fled the scene after the incident. Local reports suggest that Portnov was targeted near the private American School of Madrid, which has not offered any comments about the tragedy.
Portnov had a controversial political career, serving as deputy head under Yanukovych's administration from 2010 until the uprising in 2014 that ultimately expelled the president due to his pro-Moscow stance. Following this, Portnov fled to exile but maintained some level of political influence in Ukraine. It has been reported that he returned to Ukraine after the 2019 election of President Volodymyr Zelensky, though he later left the country again.
In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on Portnov and his charitable organization due to accusations of corruption and bribery. As of now, it remains unclear whether Portnov had become involved in any political activities recently prior to his assassination. This shocking violent event highlights the ongoing political instability and unrest related to Ukraine's turbulent history with corruption and foreign influence.
