Russian artist critical of Putin shot dead in Poland

Three days before his killing, Semyon Skrepetsky had protested outside the Russian embassy in Berlin. He held an icon-like caricature of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Soviet leader Josef Stalin.

A Russian artist known for satirising President Vladimir Putin was shot dead in Poland, officials said on Tuesday.

Local media identified the ​victim of Monday's attack as Robert Kuzovkov, also known under his artistic pseudonym ​as Semyon Skrepetsky.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk later said that the killing may have been a political assassination.

What we know about the killing of Semyon Skrepetsky

The district ⁠prosecutor in ⁠Lublin said three gunshots were fired at the victim on Monday.

When the victim fell to the ground, he was approached by the assailant, who fired two more shots at close range.

Two Belarusian nationals have been detained, but not charged, in connection with the case, the spokesperson added.

Skrepetsky traveled to Berlin on Russia Day where he protested outside the Russian embassy Image: Vasily Krestyaninov/SOPA Images/ZUMA/picture alliance

Skrepetsky was a visual artist who made a name for himself with his provocative caricatures of Putin, as well as Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Soviet leader Josef Stalin.

But he also directed his satire toward the Russian opposition, including with caricatures of Alexei Navalny.

Born in a village in Russia's Altai Republic, Skrepetsky had been living in exile in Poland since 2021.

Three days before he was killed, the artist had travelled to Berlin on Russia day.

In Berlin, he staged a protest outside the Russian embassy holding an icon-like caricature of both Stalin and Putin.

Two Belarusian nationals have been detained, but not charged, in connection with the case Image: Wojtek Jargilo/PAP/dpa/picture alliance