What's happened
Andriy Portnov, a former aide to Ukraine's pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych, was shot dead outside the American School in Pozuelo, Madrid, on May 21, 2025. The attack occurred as he was reportedly dropping off his children at school. Authorities are investigating the incident, which involved multiple assailants.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Shooting
- Political Tensions: Portnov's assassination highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Ukraine's political landscape, particularly regarding pro-Russian figures in exile.
- Implications for Exiles: The incident raises concerns for other Ukrainian exiles in Europe, especially those with controversial pasts.
- Potential Motives: While the motive remains unclear, the shooting could be linked to Portnov's past political affiliations and the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Broader Impact
- International Relations: This event may strain Spain's relations with Ukraine, as it underscores the risks faced by individuals associated with the former regime.
- Future Investigations: Authorities will likely intensify investigations into the shooting, which could reveal deeper networks of political violence linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Portnov was shot 'several times' as he was getting into his vehicle, with multiple attackers fleeing the scene. The Independent noted that he was dropping off his children at the American School when the shooting occurred. Politico emphasized that this is not the first high-profile shooting related to Ukraine in Spain, referencing the 2024 killing of a Russian serviceman who defected to Kyiv. The Guardian highlighted Portnov's controversial political history, including his involvement in drafting legislation against 2014 revolution participants. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complexities surrounding Portnov's life and the implications of his assassination.
How we got here
Andriy Portnov served as deputy head of Yanukovych's administration from 2010 to 2014. Following Yanukovych's ousting in 2014, Portnov faced multiple investigations and sanctions for alleged corruption and ties to pro-Kremlin activities. He had been living in Spain since at least April 2024.
Go deeper
- What were the circumstances surrounding Portnov's death?
- How has the Ukrainian government responded to this incident?
- What implications does this have for Ukrainian exiles in Europe?
Common question
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What Happened to Andriy Portnov in Spain?
On May 21, 2025, Andriy Portnov, a former aide to Ukraine's ex-President Viktor Yanukovych, was shot multiple times outside an American school in Spain. This shocking incident raises numerous questions about its implications for Ukrainian politics and the safety of political figures. Below, we explore the details surrounding this event and its broader context.
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What Happened in the Shooting of Former Ukrainian Politician Andriy Portnov?
On May 21, 2025, the tragic shooting of Andriy Portnov, a former aide to Ukraine's pro-Russian president, shocked many. As details emerge about the incident in Madrid, questions arise about Portnov's significance, the circumstances of the attack, and the broader implications for Ukrainian politics. Here are some common questions people are asking about this event.
More on these topics
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Viktor Fedorovych Yanukovych (born 9 July 1950) is a former Ukrainian statesman who served as the fourth president of Ukraine from 2010 to 2014. He also served as the prime minister of Ukraine several times between 2002 and 2007 and was a member of the...
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Andriy Volodymyrovych Portnov is a Ukrainian lawyer and politician. He was a honored Lawyer of Ukraine in 2004.
From 2005 to 2010, Portnov headed the legal department of Yulia Tymoshenko's election headquarters.
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Andrii Volodymyrovych Portnov is a Ukrainian historian, essayist, and editor. He is the chair professor of entangled history of Ukraine at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt. and a director of the PRISMA UKRAЇNA Research Network Eastern Europe
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Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain. The city has almost 3.3 million inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.5 million.