Russian Dissident Artist Killed in Eastern Poland
A suspect has been taken into custody following the deadly shooting of Russian artist and Kremlin critic Robert Kuzovkov in eastern Poland. The 44-year-old artist, who worked under the name Semyon Skrepetsky, was widely recognized for his provocative artwork targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials.
The attack occurred near his residence in Biala Podlaska, close to the Belarus border. Authorities said the victim was shot multiple times and died at the scene. Polish security agencies are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Prime Minister Points to Possible Political Motive
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the circumstances of the murder suggest the possibility of a politically motivated assassination. He added that if foreign state involvement is confirmed, the incident could be considered an act of state-sponsored terrorism.
Officials have not ruled out several possibilities, including organized crime or links to foreign intelligence services. Investigators are focusing on identifying who may have ordered the attack.
Suspect Arrested as Investigation Continues
Authorities announced the arrest of a 36-year-old man carrying a Georgian passport. Earlier, two Belarusian nationals had been detained but were later released due to insufficient evidence.
Kuzovkov had left Russia in 2021 and settled in Poland after expressing fears of political persecution. His paintings and public protests frequently criticized Putin, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and other Russian figures. Days before his death, he shared footage of himself disposing of a Russian flag during a protest in Berlin.
Polish investigators, supported by national security agencies, continue to examine all possible leads as they work to determine whether the killing was part of a broader campaign against Kremlin critics living abroad.
