Russian artist and Putin critic shot dead in Poland

Russian artist and Kremlin critic Semyon Skrepetsky was shot dead Monday morning in Poland, officials said, in a killing that has shocked opposition activists and raised questions about whether his political work played a role in his death. Prosecutors identified the victim as 44-year-old Robert Kuzovkov, better known by his artistic name, Semyon Skrepetsky. He had been living in Poland since leaving Russia several years ago and was known for performances and artwork attacking Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders. Russian dissident Semyon Skrepetsky with some of his art on May 6, 2026, in Venice, Italy. Stefano Mazzola / Getty Images The shooting happened shortly before 10 a.m. in a residential area of the eastern Polish city of Biała Podlaska. According to investigators, a man approached Skrepetsky on a pedestrian path and opened fire. Three shots were fired first, they said. After Skrepetsky fell to the ground, the attacker reportedly walked closer and fired two more times. A preliminary examination found five gunshot wounds, including injuries to the chest and head. Investigators have not publicly described the attack as an execution, but the details released so far suggest the gunman wanted to make sure the victim was dead. The killer escaped and has not been found. Police launched a large search operation after the shooting, setting up checkpoints and looking for witnesses. …