Reports from Madrid confirm that Andrii Portnov, an adviser to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, was tragically shot dead outside the American School of Madrid. The incident occurred at 9:15 a.m. local time and was carried out by unidentified gunmen.
Portnov, 52, was a prominent figure in Ukrainian politics, closely associated with Yanukovych during his presidency. He served as deputy head of the presidential office from 2010 to 2014.
According to witnesses, Portnov was targeted multiple times in the head and body by the assailants as he was entering his vehicle. The gunmen fled the scene on foot, leaving a shocked community in their wake.
The crime scene, located just outside the school gates, was swiftly cordoned off by police, who are actively investigating the incident.
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Portnov’s political career was marked by controversy, with his involvement in drafting legislation against participants of the 2014 revolution in Ukraine drawing criticism. He was also linked to pro-Russia sentiments during his time in office.
Living in various countries after leaving Ukraine, Portnov faced legal scrutiny, including an investigation by Ukraine’s Security Service on charges of state treason. Despite these allegations, the case was closed in 2019.
In a recent development, the United States imposed sanctions on Portnov in 2021, citing his involvement in corrupt practices and misappropriation of state assets.
Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain. Illia Novikov contributed to this report from Kyiv, Ukraine.
