Madrid shooting: Former Ukrainian politician gunned down in broad daylight

By Alice Scarsi, World News Editor, Ciaran McGrath, Senior News Reporter

Andriy Portnov, a former Ukrainian politician was gunned down in broad daylight (Image: EXPRESS)

A man shot dead outside a school in Madrid has been identified as Andriy Portnov, a former advisor to ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Mr Portnov, who had been investigated for links to Russia and alleged involvement in suppressing the 2014 Euromaidan protests, was killed with four shots to the chest and one to the head.

Police believe the gunman, who fled on a motorbike, may have been lying in wait outside the American School Madrid, echoing a similar killing outside another school in 2018. While no line of inquiry has been ruled out, sources suggest the murder may have been a targeted execution. Footage shared on social media showed several ambulances at the scene.

Portnov was sanctioned by the United States in December 2021 under the Global Magnitsky Act for his role in undermining democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine.

The US Treasury accused him of using his influence to manipulate the judiciary and shield allies from accountability.

He had previously been placed on the EU sanctions list in 2014, following the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych, over allegations of embezzlement of state funds and human rights abuses.

Although some charges were dropped or unproven, Portnov remained a controversial figure with longstanding ties to pro-Russian political factions.

Social media footage showed several ambulances at the scene (Image: X)

The attack is the latest in a string of high-profile killings and violent incidents in Spain involving Russian and Ukrainian nationals since 2022.

These include the letter bomb campaign targeting embassies and government offices, as well as the murder of a defected Russian pilot near Alicante.

In a separate 2022 case, a Russian gas executive was found dead alongside his wife and daughter in an apparent murder-suicide.