Poland: A Russian artist known for his criticism of President Vladimir Putin was shot dead in the eastern Polish town of Biala Podlaska, a Polish prosecutor said on Tuesday.
Marcin Kozak, spokesperson for the district prosecutor in Lublin, said five shots were fired at the victim, including one to the head. Two Belarusian nationals have been detained in connection with the case but have not been charged.
Local media identified the victim of Monday's attack as Robert Kuzovkov, who performed under the artistic pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky. Kozak confirmed that the deceased, identified by prosecutors as Robert K., was engaged in artistic work in which he criticised the current actions of the Russian authorities.
According to the Meduza news outlet, Skrepetsky travelled to Berlin on June 12, Russia Day, a holiday marking Russia's declaration of sovereignty before the collapse of the Soviet Union. During the visit, he staged a protest featuring an icon-like caricature of Joseph Stalin and Putin.
Kozak said the victim's identity would be a key element in the investigation.
Poland has said its role as a hub for military and other supplies to Ukraine has made it a target for Russian spies seeking information on support for Kyiv's efforts to repel Russia's invasion, as well as acts of sabotage.
According to TVN, the Russian embassy in Warsaw was not immediately available for comment.
Jacek Dobrzynski, spokesperson for Poland's special services minister, said the Internal Security Agency had been cooperating closely with police and prosecutors in the investigation.
