Secret Meetings of Yanukovych's Aide Before His Assassination

Mysterious Meetings of Andriy Portnov with Ukrainian Officials Before His Murder On May 21, 2025, Andriy Portnov, a former deputy head of the Yanukovych Administration, was found dead in Madrid. Before his death, Ukrainian media outlets reported that Portnov had several meetings with high-ranking Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The reports, citing anonymous sources, claimed Portnov met with Zelenskyy, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, and Yermak's deputy, Oleh Tatarov, between May 17-19. Another report in Ukrainska Pravda added that he also met with Tatarov and DBR Director Oleksiy Sukhachov. "It's certainly strange that meetings with all three are indicated," stated Oleh Saakian, a political scientist, in an interview with Radio NV. The Ukrainian government has not yet commented on these reports. The lack of official confirmation adds to the intrigue and raises questions about the nature of Portnov's meetings and their possible connection to his death. The investigation is ongoing, and the full circumstances surrounding Portnov's death remain unclear. The case highlights the ongoing political tensions in Ukraine and the need for transparency in government.