Suspected killer of Andriy Portnov refused Ukrainian consulate assistance
German journalists have learned that Ukrainian citizen Oleksandr Azizov, detained in Germany on suspicion of murdering Andriy Portnov, refused help from the Ukrainian consulate. After the killing, he attended a language school in Germany and tried to find a job, ZEIT reported.
The journalists said Azizov often spent time on a bench at the bus station in the town of Heinsberg. There he repeatedly met his best friend, did homework for language school, drank beer, and smoked cannabis.
It was on that same bench that German police arrested him in an undercover operation: they blindfolded him, threw him to the ground and tied his hands with plastic zip ties. An innocent young man was also injured. He said he was pressed face-down onto the asphalt, had a mask pulled over his head and was restrained with zip ties.
He suffered injuries to his knees and hands and is still experiencing psychological effects from the operation. According to ZEIT, the Aachen prosecutor’s office is currently investigating possible cases of bodily injury and abuse of authority by law enforcement.
Investigators believe that after killing Portnov, Azizov fled to Germany. In his apartment in Heinsberg, police found what is believed to be the murder weapon and cannabis plantations. Acquaintances of the Ukrainian man of Russian origin said that in Germany he never publicly expressed pro-Russian views and generally did not talk about politics, except to say that he was against the war.
Earlier, Ukrainska Pravda found that in 2014–2015 Azizov had 13 contacts with a person linked to the separatist organization “Union of Donbas Volunteers.” He was also observed using Russian phone numbers. According to UP, Azizov had been permanently living in Rostov-on-Don at least since 2020.
However, “Alex,” as he was known in Heinsberg, often trained and boxed in a fitness club in the morning. In the afternoon he attended language school to pass an exam and get a job in a security company. He apparently moved to Heinsberg in 2022 but had few contacts with locals and was not in a relationship. He often spent his days with his friend at the bus station, sitting on a wooden bench at the stop.
ZEIT believes the Ukrainian became a “one-time Russian agent,” although it notes that the motive for the murder remains unknown. Azizov will be tried in Spain and is currently in custody in Cologne awaiting extradition. He refused assistance from the Ukrainian consulate.
Murder of Portnov
Former head of the Presidential Administration under Viktor Yanukovych, Andriy Portnov, was found murdered in Madrid on May 21, 2025.
According to local media, Portnov was shot with a firearm while driving his children to the American School in Madrid. The attack occurred around 9:15 a.m. local time.
Nine shell casings were found at the scene. Preliminary information indicates that a group of people was involved: one shooter and accomplices. Police are considering several motives, including murder due to his political activity and financial debts.
The Spanish judge investigating the murder of Portnov has declared the case classified. Meanwhile, Espreso, citing sources, claimed that the body of the murdered former official is to be returned to Ukraine for burial.