Russian critic of Putin Simon Skrepetski murdered in Biała Podlaska, Poland

On 15 June 2026, Simon Skrepetski, a 44‑year‑old Russian artist and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, was shot dead while walking his dog in the town of Biała Podlaska, eastern Poland. Police said the assailant opened fire from close range, killing Skrepetski on the spot.

A 36‑year‑old Georgian man was arrested a few days later after a joint police‑counter‑terrorism raid on a hostel near Warsaw. He was taken to the Lublin branch of the National Prosecutor’s Office on 19 June and placed before investigators. Officials noted he holds a Georgian passport, has lived in Poland for at least four years and may have worked as a ride‑hailing driver, but no weapon was found on him. The suspect’s motive remains unknown, and investigators have not identified a definitive sponsor for the killing, though some commentators have speculated about possible Kremlin involvement.

Polish authorities, including the local police chief Andrzej Fijołek and the Internal Security Agency (ABW), said the investigation is ongoing and that the suspect will face formal charges in the coming days.