Twelve countries link a hacking campaign to disrupt aid to Kyiv with Russian intelligence.

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through political circles, **Andri Portnov**, the former deputy chief of the **Ukrainian presidential administration** under the leadership of **Viktor Yanukovych**, was **killed** in **Madrid** this morning. Reports from major news agencies including **France-Presse (AFP)**, **Associated Press (AP)**, and various **Spanish media** outlets confirm that the tragic event took place in **Pozuelo de Alarcon**, right outside his children’s school.

“The victim was shot multiple times as he was about to enter his car. Eyewitnesses reported that individuals fired shots at him from behind before fleeing the scene into a nearby wooded area,” a police spokesperson revealed to AFP.

The reports provide critical context, noting that during **Yanukovych’s** presidency, Portnov was regarded as a prominent **pro-Russian political figure**. He played an instrumental role in crafting legislation that targeted participants of the **2014 Revolution in Ukraine**. Following the regime’s collapse, Portnov sought refuge, living in **Russia** and later in **Austria**, before returning to Ukraine after **Volodymyr Zelensky**’s election in 2019.

Ukrainian media reports indicate that Portnov leveraged his connections to escape Ukraine in **June 2022**, despite restrictions on men aged 18 to 60 leaving the country due to the ongoing conflict with **Russia**.

Since **December 2021**, Andri Portnov has been under **American sanctions** for alleged acts of **corruption**. The **U.S. Treasury** detailed his extensive connections within the **Ukrainian judiciary and police**, facilitated by corrupt practices. Insights from the treasury highlight that he built an expansive network through these illicit activities.

Cadena Ser further reports that Portnov was also subject to an investigation for **high treason** due to his supposed involvement during **Russia’s invasion of Crimea**. This case remained open and was classified in **2019**.

Significantly, since the onset of the **Russian invasion** in **February 2022**, **numerous crimes** involving both **Russian** and **Ukrainian figures** have emerged in **Spain**, reflecting concerns regarding their substantial expatriate populations. This incident raises questions about **political motivations** and the underlying dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.