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The murder of Portnov in Spain: Ukraine joins the joint investigation

The murder of Portnov in Spain: Ukraine joins the joint investigation

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

18 March 2026, 09:00

The murder of Portnov in Spain: Ukraine joins the joint investigation — Photo by Ruslan Kravchenko

Ukraine and Spain are setting up a joint international investigation team to investigate the murder of Andriy Portnov, the former deputy head of the administration of the fugitive president Viktor Yanukovych. According to Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, the Ukrainian side has already handed over to the Spanish judicial authorities all the documents required to launch the JIT.

This was announced by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko following a meeting with his Spanish counterpart, Teresa Peramato.

Ukraine and Spain are to set up a joint international investigation team to probe the murder of Andriy Portnov, the former deputy head of the administration of fugitive President Viktor Yanukovych.

This was announced by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko following a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Teresa Peramato.

According to him, the parties discussed the investigation into the murder of Ukrainian politician and lawyer Andriy Portnov, which took place in Spain.

Kravchenko stated that it is important for Ukraine to establish all the circumstances of the crime – from the perpetrators and organisers to the broader context of this murder.

He also reported that the Ukrainian side had succeeded in convincing their Spanish counterparts of the need to establish a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). According to him, Ukraine’s strategic role as a partner in this investigation was also confirmed during the talks.

The Prosecutor General noted that the Ukrainian side had already handed over all the necessary documents to the Spanish judicial authorities to launch the JIT.

In his view, this format of cooperation should strengthen and accelerate the investigation.

Andriy Portnov was found murdered in Madrid on 21 May 2025. According to reports, he was shot with a firearm whilst driving his children to the American School in Madrid.

The attack took place at approximately 9.15 am local time. Nine bullet casings were found at the scene.

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