Andriy Portnov, a former Ukrainian politician, was fatally shot on May 21, 2025, outside the American School in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid. The 52-year-old lawyer and former deputy head of the Presidential Administration under former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was reportedly ambushed by a lone gunman who fired six shots into his back and head as he approached his vehicle after dropping off his daughters. Portnov was also seen as a strong critic of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and had fled the region due to the threats to his life.
Relationship with Zelensky
Portnov was a controversial figure in Ukraine, known for his close ties to the Yanukovych regime and his role in implementing anti-protest laws during the Euromaidan protests. He fled Ukraine in 2014 amid political upheaval and subsequently resided in Russia and Austria before settling in Spain in 2024. Portnov faced multiple corruption and human rights violation allegations and was sanctioned by the United States in 2021. Despite being exonerated in Ukraine and Europe, his pro-Russian stance and involvement in the Yanukovych administration made him a target for many.
Andriy Portnov’s relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky evolved from initial support to later criticism, reflecting the complex and often contentious political landscape in Ukraine.
In 2019, Portnov expressed support for Zelensky during the presidential election, positioning himself as an ally to the new administration. He advocated for a “lustration” law to prevent individuals associated with the Yanukovych era from holding public office, a stance that aligned with Zelensky’s campaign promises of reform and transparency.
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Despite his initial support, Portnov’s relationship with Zelensky soured over time. He became increasingly critical of Zelensky’s policies and actions, particularly concerning the handling of historical narratives and judicial reforms. Portnov filed lawsuits against the Ministry of Education to remove references to the Euromaidan Revolution from Ukrainian school textbooks, a move that drew public ire and raised questions about his motivations.
Portnov also accused Zelensky of using the judiciary to settle political scores, alleging that the president’s administration selectively applied justice to target opponents. He claimed that figures like Andriy Bohdan, a former chief of staff under Zelensky, exerted pressure on the State Bureau of Investigations to initiate legal proceedings against former President Petro Poroshenko, suggesting a politically motivated campaign against rivals.
Portnov’s critique of the EU and pro-Russia stance
Portnov was openly critical of the EU’s approach to Ukraine, particularly during the 2015 Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga. He perceived the EU’s policies as lacking a clear strategy for Ukraine, expressing disappointment over the absence of a definitive membership perspective. Portnov believed that the EU’s reluctance to offer Ukraine a clear path to membership contributed to a sense of mistrust and frustration within Ukrainian society.
Portnov’s pro-Russian orientation was evident in his political activities and affiliations. He was associated with figures like Viktor Medvedchuk, a known ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and was involved in promoting narratives that aligned with Russian interests. His activities included disseminating anti-Western messages and supporting policies that favored closer ties with Russia.
In 2021, Portnov was sanctioned by the United States under the Global Magnitsky Act for his involvement in corrupting Ukraine’s judiciary. The U.S. Department of the Treasury accused him of using his influence to undermine reform efforts and control the Ukrainian judiciary. However, the EU Court of Justice ruled in his favor, stating that sanctions imposed solely based on cooperation with the previous regime were unacceptable.
Portnov’s views on the EU and Russia illustrate his complex political stance. While critical of the EU’s engagement with Ukraine, he maintained pro-Russian affiliations, reflecting the intricate geopolitics of the region amid Ukraine’s ongoing struggle to navigate its relationships with both Western institutions and Russia.
The assassination of Portnov underscores the ongoing risks faced by individuals associated with the Yanukovych regime and pro-Russian factions, even after relocating to other countries. It also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, where past political affiliations continue to influence personal safety and international relations. As investigations continue, the international community remains vigilant regarding the implications of such targeted killings of important individuals who have their views on the global complicated issues.