The British government has demanded a full inquiry into the murder of a prominent Russian artist and vocal critic of Vladimir Putin, who was shot dead in Warsaw on Tuesday evening. The victim, identified as 47-year-old Yevgeny Volkov, was a painter and sculptor known for his anti-war works and public denunciations of the Kremlin. He was struck by multiple bullets outside his apartment in the Polish capital shortly after returning from an exhibition opening.
Poland has launched a murder investigation, but London is pushing for international oversight, fearing a cover-up. Volkov had lived in exile in Warsaw since 2022, receiving threats from Russian nationalist groups. His death comes amid a wave of suspicious deaths of Russian dissidents abroad.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said it was 'deeply concerned' and urged Polish authorities to 'leave no stone unturned'. The artist's partner, who was with him at the time, was unharmed but said she heard a car speeding away. No group has claimed responsibility, but analysts point to a pattern of Kremlin-linked assassinations.
The news has sent shockwaves through London's Russian émigré community, where Volkov was well known. Campaign groups have called for safe passages for dissidents. The incident risks straining relations between Moscow and the West further, as fears grow over the safety of exiled activists.
