Russian Artist Semyon Skrepetsky Shot Dead in Poland, Sparks Questions Over Political Role

Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky, known by his artistic name Robert Kuzovkov, was shot dead in Poland on Monday morning. The 44-year-old had been living in Poland since leaving Russia several years ago and was known for his performances and artwork criticizing Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders.

The shooting occurred shortly before 10 a.m. in the residential area of Biała Podlaska. According to investigators, an attacker approached Skrepetsky on a pedestrian path and fired three shots, followed by two more after Skrepetsky fell to the ground. A preliminary examination found five gunshot wounds, including injuries to the chest and head.

Police launched a large search operation and secured surveillance footage and forensic evidence from the scene. Two Belarusian citizens were detained near the Belarusian consulate in Biała Podlaska but have not been charged. Friends and supporters of Skrepetsky have said he received threats due to his activism, though investigators have not confirmed any link between those threats and the shooting.