A Russian artist who had publicly criticised President Vladimir Putin was shot dead in the eastern Polish town of Biala Podlaska, Polish prosecutors said on Tuesday.
Marcin Kozak, a spokesperson for the district prosecutor in Lublin, told reporters that the victim was hit by five bullets, one of which struck his head. Kozak said two Belarusians were detained in connection with the attack but had not been charged.
Local media identified the victim of Monday's attack as Robert Kuzovkov, an artist and performer who also used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky. Prosecutors referred to the deceased as Robert K., and Kozak confirmed that the person under investigation had been engaged in artistic work that included criticism of the current actions of the authorities of the Russian Federation.
According to reporting by Meduza cited by prosecutors, three days before the killing Skrepetsky travelled to Berlin on June 12, Russia Day, where he staged a protest featuring an icon-like caricature combining the images of Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Putin.
Kozak said by phone that confirming the identity of the victim would be a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Poland has previously warned that its function as a hub for military and other supplies destined for Ukraine has made it a potential target for Russian intelligence efforts. Authorities say such activity can include attempts to collect information about support for Kyiv as well as acts of sabotage. Those remarks form part of the context in which prosecutors are treating the killing.
The Russian embassy in Warsaw was not immediately available to comment on the incident. Jacek Dobrzynski, a spokesman for Poland's minister responsible for special services, said the Internal Security Agency was working closely with police and prosecutors on the case.
The investigation remains active. Authorities have detained two individuals of Belarusian nationality without filing charges to date, and officials have emphasised the importance of establishing the victim's identity as the probe proceeds.