Polish authorities have arrested a man suspected of involvement in the killing of a Russian artist who was known for criticising President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed on Thursday.
Tusk said the suspect, detained in connection with the Monday attack, “is using a Georgian passport”.
He also noted that security services are still investigating those behind the operation, adding that “Services are working to establish the mastermind,”.
The victim, identified as Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov, was shot dead in Biala Podlaska in eastern Poland.
According to officials, he was hit three times by an unidentified attacker armed with a handgun.
After he collapsed, the assailant reportedly walked up to him and fired two additional shots at close range.
Authorities say the killing may have been politically motivated. Tusk had earlier described the incident as likely a “political murder”.
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“If it was commissioned by Russia, then this is also a very serious matter with an international dimension,” he continued.
Skrepetsky had previously been offered protection by the Polish government, but he declined it.
Two Belarusian nationals were initially detained in connection with the case but were later released as investigations continued.
Known for his provocative and often controversial caricatures, Skrepetsky frequently targeted high-profile Russian figures, including Putin, Joseph Stalin, Alexei Navalny, and Ramzan Kadyrov.
One of his most widely circulated works reimagined an Orthodox icon, portraying Stalin holding Putin in place of the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus.
He relocated to Poland in 2021 after expressing fears of persecution in Russia. While living in exile, he attended Russian opposition events and was also known for criticising segments of the opposition movement itself.
Polish authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, while Moscow has consistently denied any involvement in attacks against Kremlin critics abroad.