Ukrainian shot dead outside the American School in Madrid

A 52-year-old man was shot and killed Wednesday morning outside the American School in Pozuelo de Alarcón, an upscale suburb west of Madrid, Spain.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Calle América No. 3. Emergency medical personnel from Summa 112 arrived quickly on the scene but were only able to confirm that the man had died from gunshot wounds “incompatible with life,” according to Madrid’s emergency services.

Victim identified as Ukrainian Andriy Portnov

Cadena SER identified the victim as Andriy Portnov, a former close advisor to Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian former president of Ukraine. Portnov had previously appeared on a European Union blacklist for alleged embezzlement of public funds and human rights abuses. Though he was never convicted, Ukraine’s domestic intelligence service investigated him for his ties to Moscow.

Portnov also helped draft the controversial laws used to crack down on protesters during the 2014 Euromaidan movement, which erupted after Ukraine scrapped an agreement to strengthen ties with the European Union in favor of closer relations with Russia. Ukrainian authorities later opened a “high treason” investigation into Portnov over his alleged role in Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Police sources say the attack appeared targeted. A man on a motorcycle reportedly lay in wait for Portnov at the entrance to the school. When Portnov arrived, the suspect opened fire and fled the scene.

Spain’s National Police have launched a homicide investigation. After receiving an alert via the country’s CIMMAC 091 emergency line, officers from the homicide unit and forensic team responded to the scene.

Authorities have not ruled out any lines of inquiry, but early indications suggest the killing may have been a settling of scores.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.