Former Ukrainian Politician Gunned Down in Spain Amid Investigations

On Wednesday morning, Andriy Portnov, a senior aide to Ukraine's ousted president Viktor F. Yanukovych, was shot dead outside a school in a Madrid suburb. Spanish authorities are investigating the incident involving several attackers, as Portnov's political past and recent connections continue to draw scrutiny.

Gunmen gunned down Andriy Portnov, a senior aide to former Ukrainian president Viktor F. Yanukovych, outside a school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a suburb of Madrid, on Wednesday morning, as reported by Spanish authorities and local media. The Interior Ministry revealed that emergency services received a call around 9:15 a.m. regarding an individual with multiple gunshot wounds. Victim Portnov was shot several times in both his back and head while approaching a vehicle.

Further details regarding suspects or a motive for the crime have yet to be disclosed, but authorities confirmed that multiple attackers escaped the scene, initiating a homicide investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting. According to reports, the incident transpired near the private American School of Madrid, which has not offered any official comments on the matter.

Portnov, who served as the deputy head of Yanukovych’s administration from 2010 to 2014, remained a polarizing figure since the uprising that led to Yanukovych's ousting due to his pro-Moscow stance. Following the protests that resulted in Yanukovych’s flight to Russia, Portnov also sought refuge abroad but managed to retain a degree of influence in Ukraine politics.

After returning to Ukraine following Volodymyr Zelensky's 2019 presidential election victory, Portnov's trajectory remained uncertain as he later departed the country again. In December 2021, the United States placed sanctions on him, accusing him of corruption and bribery linked to his charitable foundation. As of now, it remains unclear if Portnov had resumed any political activities prior to his tragic demise.