Tusk: Murder of Russian Artist Is Political Assassination
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that the shooting of Russian artist Semyon Skrepeck was likely politically motivated. The murder occurred on Monday, and two Belarusian citizens were detained and later released in connection with the case.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated on Wednesday that the fatal shooting of Russian artist Semyon Skrepeck was likely a political assassination. Tusk indicated that all signs point to a politically motivated killing, and if ordered by Russia, it would carry serious international implications.
The murder took place on Monday morning when an unidentified gunman shot Skrepeck three times. After the artist fell to the ground, the attacker fired two more shots at close range. The Polish government had previously offered Skrepeck protection, but he declined.
Two Belarusian citizens were detained in connection with the murder but were later released. The investigation is ongoing. The incident threatens to further escalate tensions between Poland and Russia.
Semyon Skrepeck, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov, was born in 1981 and lived in Altai Krai until 2021, when he emigrated to Poland due to political persecution. He was known for caricatures depicting Russian and Belarusian dictators, including Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko, Ramzan Kadyrov and his son Adam, as well as Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. He also drew Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, whom he called the "Kremlin's most successful project that destroyed Russian opposition."
Skrepeck also criticized Ukrainian authorities and was listed in Ukraine's online database "Mirotvorets," which collects information on individuals considered threats to Ukraine's security. One of his final actions took place on June 12 in Berlin, Russia Day, when he staged a protest with an icon-like caricature of Stalin and Putin.
