Overview

• Andréi Portnov, a former advisor to ousted Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich, was fatally shot outside a school in suburban Madrid on May 21, 2025.
• The Policía Nacional is searching for three suspects, including a gunman who fired at least nine shots, and is analyzing security footage to track their escape.
• Investigators are focusing on Portnov’s business dealings as a potential motive, while ruling out indications of political involvement so far.
• The EU’s intelligence network has flagged a Russian-led disinformation campaign falsely implicating Ukraine in the killing to sow geopolitical discord.
• A judge has imposed secrecy on the investigation, while Spain’s intelligence agency denies prior involvement with or protection of Portnov.