WARSAW - Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared the fatal shooting of Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky a likely political murder. Tusk stated that if the assassination was commissioned by Moscow, it constitutes a grave matter with significant international dimensions.
Skrepetsky, born Robert Kuzovkov, was shot three times Monday morning in eastern Poland. Authorities report the unidentified gunman fired two additional rounds at close range after the victim fell. Officials confirmed the government had previously offered protection to the artist, which he declined.
Two Belarusian citizens were arrested in connection with the crime but have since been released as the investigation continues. The incident threatens to escalate existing friction between Warsaw and Moscow, already strained by recent drone incursions on Polish territory.
The artist fled to Poland in 2021 fearing persecution. He was known for provocative caricatures targeting Vladimir Putin, Joseph Stalin, and Ramzan Kadyrov. This killing follows a pattern of attacks against Russian opposition figures across Europe, though Moscow consistently denies involvement in such incidents.