Shooting of Russian artist critical of Putin in Poland likely ‘political murder’: Tusk

The case risks rekindling tensions between Poland and Russia, exacerbated by drone crashes on Polish territory last autumn

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Russian artist Robert Kuzovkov, also known by his artistic pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, shows off a T-shirt with one of his works. Photo: Facebook/Reuters

Published: 8:16pm, 17 Jun 2026Updated: 12:03am, 18 Jun 2026

The fatal shooting in eastern Poland of a Russian artist known for his caricatures of Russian President Vladimir Putin was likely politically motivated, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday.

“All indications are that this is a political murder,” Tusk said of the killing of Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov.

“If it was commissioned by Russia, then this is also a very serious matter with an international dimension.”

According to Polish officials, Skrepetsky was shot three times on Monday morning by an unidentified gunman armed with a handgun. When the artist fell to the ground, he was approached by the assailant, who fired two more shots at close range.

Police work at the scene of Semyon Skrepetsky’s shooting on Monday. Photo: AFP

The Polish government says it had offered Skrepetsky protection, which he declined.

Two Belarusian citizens were arrested in conjunction with the artist’s death, but they have since been released, according to Polish officials. An investigation by Polish services is ongoing.

Shooting of Russian artist critical of Putin in Poland likely ‘political murder’: Tusk

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The case risks rekindling tensions between Poland and Russia, exacerbated by drone crashes on Polish territory last autumn

The case risks rekindling tensions between Poland and Russia, exacerbated by drone crashes on Polish territory last autumn