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Exiled Russian artist known for anti-Putin cartoons shot dead in Poland

CNN • June 16, 2026 • general

Key Points:

Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky, known for his unflattering caricatures of President Vladimir Putin, was shot dead in a suspected execution near his home in Biała Podlaska, Poland.
Two Belarusian men, aged 37 and 33, were arrested near the Belarusian Consulate in connection with the killing, and their roles are under investigation.
Skrepetsky, who fled Russia in 2021 fearing arrest for his activism, was a prolific painter who criticized Putin, his regime, and some elements of the Russian opposition.
His artwork often depicted Putin in a satirical and symbolic style, including portrayals alongside various global leaders and power figures.
Initially pro-Ukrainian, Skrepetsky publicly burned his Russian passport after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine but later became critical of Ukrainian leadership.

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