Ukrainian Lawyer Gunned Down in Madrid Suburb

A prominent Ukrainian lawyer, Andriy Portnov, 52, was fatally shot on May 21, 2025, outside a school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a suburb of Madrid. Police are investigating the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community. "I was just walking by when I heard five loud bangs," recounted one eyewitness, visibly shaken. Portnov, known for his past associations with the pro-Russian former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, had been living in Madrid. His luxury car and the expensive private school his daughters attended highlight the stark contrast between his comfortable life and the violent end he met. The police are exploring various theories, including the possibility of a contract killing, and are using drones and helicopters in their search for the perpetrators. The event underscores the complexities of international relations and the potential spillover effects of geopolitical conflict.