Putin Critic and Russian Artist Killed in Poland Shooting

WHO:

The Moscow Times - Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name was Robert Kuzovkov, was a Russian dissident artist and blogger.

The Moscow Times - Skrepetsky was known for his political caricatures of President Vladimir Putin.

The Moscow Times - Two Belarusian citizens were detained in connection with the shooting.

WHAT:

The Moscow Times - Skrepetsky was shot and killed in a parking lot.

The Moscow Times - He was shot several times at close range.

The Moscow Times - Polish prosecutors are investigating the shooting.

WHERE:

The Moscow Times - The shooting occurred in Biala Podlaska, Poland, located roughly 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) from the Belarusian border.

The Moscow Times - The two detained Belarusian citizens were apprehended near the Belarusian consulate in Biala Podlaska.

WHEN:

The Moscow Times - The shooting took place on a Monday morning.

WHY:

The Moscow Times - Skrepetsky immigrated to Poland in 2021 to avoid political persecution.

HOW:

The Moscow Times - The police conducted extensive operations leading to the detention of the two Belarusian citizens.

(UPDATED June 16, 2026 14:47 UTC)

Semyon Skrepetsky, a Russian dissident artist and blogger known for his political caricatures of President Vladimir Putin, was shot and killed in a parking lot in Biala Podlaska, Poland, on a Monday morning. He was shot several times at close range, and Polish prosecutors are now investigating the incident, which has led to the detention of two Belarusian citizens near the Belarusian consulate in the area. Skrepetsky had immigrated to Poland in 2021 to escape political persecution in his home country.