A Russian artist opposed to the Kremlin was shot dead in Poland; two suspects were arrested.

A Russian artist known for his criticisms of the Russian president Vladimir Putin He was shot dead in eastern Poland, Polish prosecutors announced Tuesday. The case has sparked outrage as the victim was a prominent figure in the artistic opposition to the Russian government.

The man killed has been identified by local media as Robert Kuzovkov, also known by his stage name Semyon Skrepetsky. He was found after an attack on Monday in the town of Biała Podlaska, near Poland's eastern border.

At a press conference, Lublin district prosecutor's office spokesman Marcin Kozak stated that the victim had been shot five times, including once in the head. Authorities confirmed that two Belarusian nationals had been arrested in connection with the investigation. However, no charges have been announced at this stage.

The prosecutor confirmed that the victim's artistic work was characterized by criticism of the current Russian authorities. Skrepetsky had become known for his performances and artworks denouncing the Kremlin and its leaders.

According to media reports, the artist had traveled to Berlin three days before his death for Russia Day, celebrated on June 12. There, he reportedly organized an event featuring a caricature of Joseph Stalin alongside Vladimir Putin, as part of an artistic action critical of the Russian government.

The exact circumstances of the assassination remain unknown, and Polish authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the motive for the crime and any possible links between the suspects and the victim. No official indication has yet been given regarding a possible political motive.

This case comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and several European countries, where many Russian dissidents, artists, and activists have settled in recent years after leaving their homeland. Polish investigators will now have to determine whether the artist's public activities played a role in his death.