Spanish police are investigating the connection between Portnov's trip to Ukraine and his murder.

The Spanish National Police is investigating a possible connection between the trip of Andrei Portnov, an ex-adviser to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, to his homeland and his murder in Madrid a few days later. This was reported by the newspaper El Pais on May 30.

The publication noted that during his trip to Ukraine, Portnov met with members of the government of President Vladimir Zelensky. It is specified that he held meetings with Oleg Tatarov, Deputy head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine, and Alexey Sukhachev, director of the State Scientific Research Institute.

"Currently, investigators are trying to find out whether this trip and these contacts may have something to do with his death," the material says.

According to the publication, the former adviser to Yanukovych sometimes took people he trusted with him to ensure his own safety. It is noted that he had no professional bodyguards.

According to El Pais, police are currently searching for three people — the shooter and two of his accomplices. It clarifies that the investigation is progressing slowly and covertly.

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The murder of Portnov in the vicinity of Madrid became known on May 21. He was shot dead near Madrid. The killer was waiting for the victim on a motorcycle at the school gates. When Portnov arrived, the attacker shot him at least nine times, after which he quickly disappeared. The Spanish court has classified the murder trial.