Ukrainian Politician Shot Dead in Madrid

Political violence doesn’t often reach the quiet suburbs of Madrid.

But on Wednesday morning, a brutal killing outside an elite international school shocked residents and sent a wave of speculation through Europe, reports Tag24.

The victim was a well-known figure in Ukrainian politics, living in exile and under investigation for serious crimes.

Andriy Portnov, a 52-year-old Ukrainian lawyer and former political advisor, was shot dead while dropping his children off at the American School of Madrid.

It was around 9:15 a.m. when a man in a blue tracksuit walked up to him near his black Mercedes.

The man pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots. Witnesses say Portnov was hit in the head and back. He collapsed on the ground and died on the spot.

The shooter fled the scene on foot. Police believe two other people may have helped him escape.

Spanish authorities quickly identified the victim. Local media, including El País, confirmed it was Andriy Portnov.

Portnov was once a top aide to Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine’s former president who was ousted in 2014.

After the revolution, Portnov fled to Russia. He was accused of enriching himself during Yanukovych’s rule and of holding powerful influence over Ukraine’s courts.

In recent years, Portnov had returned to Ukraine. He was accused of threatening judges and politicians.

He left again just before Russia invaded in 2022.

Since 2018, he had been under investigation for high treason, especially for supporting Russia’s occupation of Crimea and for actions during the violent crackdown on protestors in 2014.

The United States sanctioned him in 2021. They accused him of corruption, interfering with reforms, and trying to sway laws to his advantage.

Now, Spanish authorities are treating his murder as politically motivated. A homicide unit is leading the case, and Spain’s intelligence services are also involved.

The investigation is ongoing, but many believe Portnov’s past finally caught up with him—far from Kyiv, in the quiet streets of Madrid.