Suspect Arrested in Germany in Connection with 2025 Madrid Murder of Former Ukrainian Official Andriy Portnov

Heinsberg, Germany – February 25, 2026 – Spanish and German law enforcement officials have jointly announced the arrest of a Ukrainian national in Heinsberg, Germany, suspected of the murder of Andriy Portnov, a former Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine. The arrest, which took place on Wednesday, follows a collaborative investigation into the shooting death of Portnov in Madrid in May 2025.

Details of the Arrest and Investigation

The Spanish National Police confirmed the arrest, stating that agents from the 5th Homicide Unit of the Madrid General Police Directorate worked in conjunction with the German BKA’s Special Operations Group to apprehend the suspect. A European Arrest Warrant and a search warrant for the suspect’s residence were previously issued.

According to reports, Portnov was fatally shot outside a private school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a suburb of Madrid, on May 21, 2025, shortly after dropping off his children. The brazen nature of the attack prompted an extensive international investigation.

Who Was Andriy Portnov?

Andriy Portnov, 51, served as a senior aide and deputy head of the presidential administration under Viktor Yanukovych, the former pro-Russian president of Ukraine. Following the 2014 Maidan Revolution, Portnov lived abroad and faced various legal and political controversies, including sanctions related to alleged manipulation of judicial systems.

Joint Operation and Ongoing Investigation

The arrest is the result of a joint operation between Spanish and German law enforcement, highlighting the intensive cooperation between the two agencies. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Portnov’s murder, with the investigation ongoing to fully clarify all details of the case.

Key Takeaways

• A Ukrainian national has been arrested in Germany in connection with the May 2025 murder of Andriy Portnov in Madrid.
• The arrest was the result of a joint operation between Spanish and German law enforcement.
• Andriy Portnov was a former high-ranking Ukrainian official who served under Viktor Yanukovych.
• The investigation into the murder is ongoing.