Ukraine, Spain agree to create joint investigation team into Portnov murder – Kravchenko
Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko paid a working visit to Spain, where he held a number of key meetings.
"In particular, I met with the Prosecutor General of the Kingdom of Spain, Teresa Peramato. The key topics were extradition and international legal assistance. Since 2022, Spain has satisfied 13 Ukrainian requests for the extradition of suspects in serious crimes, nine of whom have already been transferred to Ukraine," Kravchenko said on Telegram.
The sides also discussed the investigation into the murder of Ukrainian politician and lawyer Andriy Portnov, which took place in Spain.
"For us, it is important to establish all the circumstances – from the perpetrators and organizers to the broader context of this crime. We managed to convince our colleagues of the need to establish a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) and to confirm Ukraine’s strategic role as a partner in this investigation. We have already submitted all necessary documents to the Spanish judicial authorities to launch the JIT. This format will strengthen and accelerate the investigation," Kravchenko said.
He also held meetings with Spanish Justice Minister Félix Bolaños García and President of the National Court Juan Manuel Fernández Martínez.
"I emphasized that we highly value the constructive cooperation between Ukraine and Spain in criminal justice. Thanks to such cooperation, it is possible to ensure the inevitability of punishment for individuals who attempt to evade responsibility by hiding abroad. I handed over to colleagues a list of cases that are currently relevant for us. We discussed issues of universal jurisdiction, respect for human rights in extradition procedures, and guarantees of safety for extradited persons. Cooperation in combating organized crime, financial fraud, cybercrime, and documenting Russia's war crimes also remains a priority," the prosecutor general said.
As reported, Portnov was shot dead on May 21, 2025, near the American School in the elite Madrid suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcón, which his children attended and where he lived. He was shot in the back as he was about to get into his Mercedes parked on the sidewalk. Spanish National Police launched a search for three suspects. The investigating judge ordered the case to remain confidential.
