**Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Former Ukrainian Aide in Spain**

**The death has prompted an investigation as authorities seek to uncover the motives and identities of the attackers.**

Gunmen have murdered Andriy Portnov, a former senior aide to the ousted Ukrainian president Viktor F. Yanukovych, in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a suburb of Madrid, according to local law enforcement and media sources. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning outside the American School of Madrid, prompting police to respond to an emergency call around 9:15 a.m.

Portnov suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his back and head while attempting to enter a vehicle, the Spanish Interior Ministry reported. Following the attack, a group of assailants reportedly fled the scene, and authorities have launched a homicide investigation to uncover more details surrounding the shooting, including potential suspects and motives.

Andriy Portnov served as the deputy head of Yanukovych's administration from 2010 until 2014, during which widespread protests erupted in Ukraine over the president's pivot away from Europe and towards closer ties with Moscow. This unrest ultimately led to Yanukovych's ousting, compelling him and several associates, including Portnov, to flee to Russia.

In recent years, it was noted that Portnov had made sporadic returns to Ukraine following the 2019 election of President Volodymyr Zelensky but had subsequently left the country once more. In December 2021, he faced sanctions from the United States due to alleged corruption linked to his charitable foundation. As the investigation into his murder unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Portnov had any ongoing political engagements prior to his death.

Maria Varenikova has been following developments in Ukraine and its ongoing crisis with Russia.