A 44-year-old Russian artist known for creating critical portraits of President Vladimir Putin was shot and killed near his home in the eastern Polish city of Biala Podlaska on Monday. Polish prosecutors announced the killing on Tuesday, and authorities have arrested two Belarusian citizens near their country’s consulate following the shooting. The artist, identified by Polish media as Robert Kuzovkov, used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky for his politically charged artwork.
The killing occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. when the victim was approached near his residence. According to prosecutors, the shooter fired two initial shots, then three more at close range before fleeing the scene. The artist died at the location from gunshot wounds to his head, chest and back. Polish authorities have not attributed the slaying to Moscow.
Main developments
Polish prosecutors confirmed that the victim was shot at close range in what appears to have been a targeted attack. The 44-year-old artist sustained fatal injuries from five total gunshots to multiple areas of his body. Emergency responders could not save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene in Biala Podlaska, a city in eastern Poland.
Following the killing, Polish authorities arrested two Belarusian citizens aged 37 and 33 near the Belarusian consulate. Prosecutors have named the victim Robert K. in accordance with Polish privacy laws, though Polish media have identified him as Robert Kuzovkov. The circumstances surrounding the arrested individuals and their potential connection to the shooting have not been confirmed by authorities.
The victim was known for his artistic criticism of Russian leadership. He painted unflattering portraits of Putin, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and other Russian officials. One of his notable paintings depicts Putin cradled in the arms of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. Prosecutors stated that the artist expressed criticism of the current policies of the Russian authorities through his work.
What we know so far
The timeline of events shows the artist was active on social media shortly before his death. On Sunday, just one day before he was killed, he posted a video on YouTube showing himself in Berlin placing a Russian flag in a trash can. This video was posted on June 12, which coincides with Russia’s sovereignty holiday.
The shooting took place Monday morning at approximately 9:45 a.m. local time near the victim’s home in Biala Podlaska. The attacker fired two shots initially, followed by three additional shots at close range, totaling five gunshots. The shooter fled the scene after the attack.
Two Belarusian nationals were subsequently arrested near their country’s consulate. Their ages are 37 and 33 years old. Polish prosecutors announced the killing on Tuesday but provided limited details about the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have confirmed the victim used the artistic pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky for his work criticizing Russian political figures. His art specifically targeted Putin, Kadyrov and other officials within the Russian government structure.
What happens next
Polish prosecutors are continuing their investigation into the killing. As of Tuesday, authorities have not attributed the slaying to Moscow or any foreign government. The role of the two arrested Belarusian citizens in the shooting remains unclear, and prosecutors have not confirmed whether they are connected to the actual shooter.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the targeted killing, including potential motives and the identity of the gunman who fled the scene. Polish authorities have not released information about whether they have identified the shooter or are pursuing additional suspects.
Context of previous incidents
The killing occurs against a backdrop of previous incidents involving Russian dissidents abroad. In 2024, Polish authorities arrested a man in connection with a plot to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Also in 2024, a Russian helicopter pilot who had defected was killed in Spain.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and since then, concerns about the safety of Russian dissidents and critics living abroad have increased. However, Polish prosecutors have been careful not to draw connections between this killing and any foreign government involvement.
Important details
The victim lived in Biala Podlaska, a city located in eastern Poland. The proximity to Belarus, where the two arrested individuals hold citizenship, has been noted by authorities, though no confirmed connection has been established.
The artistic work of Robert Kuzovkov, under his pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, specifically targeted Russian political leadership. His paintings presented critical and unflattering depictions of Putin and his allies, including the symbolic piece showing Putin in the arms of Stalin.
The timing of the attack, coming just one day after the artist posted a video showing him disposing of a Russian flag on Russia’s sovereignty holiday, has drawn attention. However, prosecutors have not confirmed any link between the video and the subsequent killing.
Polish privacy laws prevent authorities from releasing the full name of crime victims, which is why prosecutors referred to him only as Robert K. in official statements. Polish media independently identified him as Robert Kuzovkov.
Frequently asked questions
Who was the Russian artist killed in Poland?
The victim was a 44-year-old Russian artist identified by Polish media as Robert Kuzovkov. He used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky and was known for painting critical portraits of Vladimir Putin, Ramzan Kadyrov and other Russian officials.
Have Polish authorities blamed Russia for the killing?
No. Polish prosecutors announced the killing on Tuesday but have not attributed the slaying to Moscow or any foreign government. The investigation is ongoing.
Who was arrested in connection with the shooting?
Two Belarusian citizens aged 37 and 33 were arrested near the Belarusian consulate after the killing. Their connection to the shooter or the crime has not been confirmed by authorities.
Where did the shooting take place?
The artist was shot and killed near his home in Biala Podlaska, a city in eastern Poland. The attack occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Monday.
How many times was the victim shot?
The shooter fired five total shots. Two shots were fired initially, followed by three more at close range. The victim died from gunshot wounds to his head, chest and back.
The investigation into the killing of the Russian artist in Poland remains active. Polish prosecutors continue to gather information while maintaining that no attribution to any foreign government has been made. The arrests of the two Belarusian citizens represent the only confirmed law enforcement action taken in connection with the case as of Tuesday.
