Polish PM: Dissident Russian Artist's Killing Likely 'Political Murder'

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday that the fatal shooting in eastern Poland of Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov, was likely politically motivated.

"All indications are that this is a political murder," Tusk said. "If it was commissioned by Russia, then this is also a very serious matter with an international dimension."

According to Polish officials, Skrepetsky was shot three times on Monday morning by an unidentified gunman armed with a handgun. When the artist fell to the ground, the assailant approached and fired two more shots at close range.

The Polish government says they offered Skrepetsky protection, which he declined. Two Belarusian citizens were arrested in connection with the artist's death but have since been released. An investigation by Polish services is ongoing.

The case risks rekindling tensions between Poland and Russia, which were exacerbated by drone crashes on Polish territory last autumn that Warsaw blames on Moscow.

Skrepetsky was known for his sometimes provocative caricatures targeting prominent Russian political figures ranging from Putin and Soviet dictator Josef Stalin to opposition figure Alexei Navalny and Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov. One of his best-known works reinterprets a classical Orthodox icon, depicting Stalin cradling Putin in place of the Mother of God holding the infant Jesus.

Skrepetsky moved to Poland in 2021, saying he feared political persecution in Russia. In exile, he maintained a contrarian stance, attending Russian opposition events while openly criticizing the opposition itself.

Several opponents of the Russian authorities have been victims of attacks abroad, including in Britain, Germany, and Lithuania. Moscow has always denied any involvement in these attacks.