Pro-Russian ex-Ukrainian politician Andriy Portnov reportedly killed outside American School in Spain
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Former Ukrainian Politician Shot Dead Outside School in Spain
Above: Police officers outside the American School of Madrid where former Ukrainian politician Andriy Portnov was fatally shot on 21 May, 2025 in Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain. Image copyright: Ricardo Rubio/Europa Press via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Portnov was not only a pro-Russian politician — he was a corrupt individual who was involved with a number of scandals relating to improperly influencing the judiciary. He had many enemies and it's unsurprising someone decided to take action against him.
Pro-Russia narrative
This ruthless, extrajudicial killing needs to be investigated to the full capacity of the authorities. A high-ranking individual — and long-term thorn in the side for Ukraine's government — it would be unsurprising if Portnov had compromising information on Ukrainian officials. Additionally, his death comes as a convenient distraction away from Kyiv's failures on the frontline.