Breakthrough in Investigation: Suspected Killer of Politician Andriy Portnov Arrested in Germany

German federal police have arrested a man suspected of shooting Andriy Portnov, the former deputy head of the administration of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. The operation was the result of intensive cooperation between the Spanish Policía Nacional and German investigative services. The suspect is a man who allegedly fired nine shots at the politician at the gate of the Colegio Americano school in Pozuelo de Alarcón near Madrid. The event received widespread media coverage due to the brutality of the execution carried out in front of children and parents dropping off students for classes. The investigation led by the Court of Instruction No. 1 in Pozuelo de Alarcón was classified as a priority from the start and was kept under strict secrecy. Officers from Madrid's Homicide Group 5 determined that the perpetrator likely acted with the support of at least two other individuals who facilitated his escape from the crime scene towards the Casa de Campo park. Police do not rule out that the murder was politically motivated or the result of a settling of scores, considering the victim's controversial past. The man arrested in Germany is currently awaiting extradition to Spain, where he will face charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Andriy Portnov was one of the most influential figures in Yanukovych's administration before 2014, responsible for judicial reforms. After the Revolution of Dignity, he was accused of treason and instrumental use of the legal system to fight the opposition, resulting in short-term EU sanctions being imposed on him.The political situation surrounding Portnov was complicated; after returning to Ukraine in 2019, he again became the subject of prosecutor's interest, eventually leaving for Spain after the outbreak of full-scale war in 2022. Spanish media emphasize that the assassination bore the hallmarks of a professional contract, and the choice of location and timing of the attack was intended to create maximum psychological impact. „La detención del presunto autor de este asesinato era un objetivo prioritario para la policía española y demuestra la excelente cooperación internacional.” (The arrest of the alleged perpetrator of this murder was a priority objective for the Spanish police and demonstrates excellent international cooperation.) — Representative of the National Police Authorities are still searching for accomplices who helped the assassin leave Spain shortly after the incident. Investigators are currently focused on identifying the masterminds behind the murder. Although the direct perpetrator is in custody, questions about the motive remain open. Was it revenge for political actions, or part of a broader campaign targeting former associates of the ousted regime – these questions are to be answered by the trial, which will begin after the suspect is handed over to the Spanish justice system. The entire case sheds light on the security of foreign dissidents and politicians residing within the European Union.