Former Ukrainian Politician Andriy Portnov Shot Dead in Spain

The assassination of Andriy Portnov, a senior aide to ousted Ukrainian president Viktor F. Yanukovych, occurred outside a school near Madrid. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, including potential motives and suspects behind the shooting.

Gunmen killed a prominent figure from Ukrainian politics, Andriy Portnov, in a shocking incident outside a school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a suburb of Madrid, on Wednesday morning, as reported by Spanish authorities and local media outlets. The victim, who was closely associated with former Ukrainian president Viktor F. Yanukovych, was shot multiple times in the back and head while attempting to enter a vehicle, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry.

Local authorities responded to the emergency call at approximately 9:15 a.m., finding Mr. Portnov critically injured at the scene. While police indicated that "several" attackers had fled after the shooting, they have not disclosed further information regarding potential suspects or motives. The private American School of Madrid, located near the incident, has refrained from public comment.

Andriy Portnov held the position of deputy head in Yanukovych’s administration from 2010 until the 2014 uprising, which was incited by his government's shift towards closer ties with Moscow instead of Europe, ultimately leading to Yanukovych's ousting and subsequent exile to Russia. Although Portnov had gone into exile himself, he had maintained a degree of influence within Ukraine, returning after the 2019 election of President Volodymyr Zelensky, although he left once more.

In December 2021, Portnov faced sanctions imposed by the United States over allegations of corruption and bribery linked to his charitable foundation. At this time, it remains uncertain whether he was engaged in any significant political activities prior to his death.