The Assassination of Andriy Portnov
May 21, 2025 – Madrid, Spain
Who was Andriy Portnov?
Andriy Portnov (1973–2025) was a Ukrainian lawyer and politician who played a major role in shaping Ukraine’s judicial system, first as a legal adviser to Yulia Tymoshenko and later as deputy head of President Viktor Yanukovych’s administration, where he was responsible for judicial affairs. Known as a powerful and controversial figure, Portnov was widely accused of manipulating the courts for political and personal gain, helping to entrench a corrupt, pro-Russian legal framework, and targeting critics and journalists through litigation. After the 2014 Euromaidan revolution, he fled Ukraine, lived in Russia and Austria, and faced multiple criminal investigations and sanctions, though many cases were later closed or unproven. Portnov returned to Ukraine in 2019, remained influential and combative, and was ultimately shot dead in Madrid in May 2025.
The Timeline of his Assassination
~9:15 a.m. local time (07:15 GMT):
Andriy Portnov, former Ukrainian politician and aide to Viktor Yanukovych, is shot multiple times outside the American School of Madrid in the affluent suburb of Pozuelo de Alarcón. The attack occurs just after he drops off his children at school. Witnesses report that several gunmen approached Portnov near his Mercedes, shooting him in the back and head before fleeing toward a nearby forest area. At least three assailants are believed to have been involved, with one escaping on foot and others possibly using a getaway vehicle.
9:16 a.m.:
Spain’s National Police receive the first emergency call reporting gunshots and the discovery of a man’s body near the school.
~9:30 a.m.:
Police arrive at the scene. Portnov is found dead, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including fatal shots to the head while lying on the ground. Nine shell casings are recovered from the scene. No other injuries are reported despite the busy school drop-off period.
11:21 a.m. local time (09:21 GMT):
A Wikipedia user updates Portnov’s English-language biography to announce his death. This edit, initially thought to precede police arrival, is later clarified to have occurred after authorities and journalists had already reported the killing. The confusion arose from Wikipedia’s use of GMT timestamps.
Throughout the day:
Spanish authorities launch a major investigation, led by Homicide Group V and Forensic Police, with a secrecy order issued by the local court. The killing is widely reported as a professional assassination, and speculation about motives—including political and organized crime—begins to circulate in the media.
American sanctions against Andriy Portnov
The United States imposed sanctions on Andriy Portnov primarily due to his extensive involvement in corruption and manipulation of Ukraine’s judicial system. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Portnov “cultivated extensive connections to Ukraine’s judicial and law enforcement sectors” and used these connections to influence court decisions, place loyal officials in key positions, and control the judiciary for personal and political gain.
The U.S. specifically accused Portnov of:
Colluding with high-ranking Ukrainian officials to shape the country’s higher legal institutions to their advantage and influence the Constitutional Court.
Taking steps to control the judiciary, including influencing legislation and purchasing court decisions.
Engaging in large-scale corruption and bribery related to his influence over the judiciary.
Undermining judicial reforms and threatening democratic governance and the rule of law in Ukraine.
As a result, the sanctions blocked any assets Portnov held in the United States, barred Americans from conducting business with him, and subjected anyone doing business with him to potential penalties.
NO EVIDENCE
EU Sanctions Lifted for Lack of Evidence:
The European Union imposed sanctions on Portnov in 2014 based on a letter from Ukraine’s Prosecutor General alleging misappropriation of public funds. However, the EU’s General Court ruled in 2015 that this letter lacked specific details or substantiated evidence about Portnov’s alleged wrongdoing. As a result, the EU lifted sanctions, stating the designation criteria were not satisfied and the imposition of sanctions was illegal if based solely on association with the previous regime.
Ukrainian Investigations and Court Rulings:
Ukrainian courts repeatedly found that information publicly released by the Prosecutor General’s Office about Portnov’s alleged involvement in crimes like the Euromaidan killings and property theft was unreliable and ordered public retractions. Several criminal investigations against Portnov were closed, sometimes due to lack of evidence or changes in Ukrainian law.
US Sanctions and Ongoing Allegations:
The US Treasury sanctioned Portnov in 2021, citing allegations of judicial corruption and manipulation. These were based on intelligence and investigative findings, but not on public court convictions.
Media and Political Context:
Portnov was a controversial, high-profile figure, and coverage of his activities was often polarized. He was frequently targeted by pro-Western journalists and activists, but he also successfully sued for defamation in Ukrainian courts, winning rulings that some accusations were unsubstantiated.
Insufficient Evidence
The EU lifted sanctions against Portnov due to insufficient evidence, and Ukrainian courts found some allegations unreliable or unproven. While the US and some journalists continued to accuse him of corruption, these claims were not upheld in European courts or substantiated by successful prosecutions in Ukraine. Thus, there is a strong basis for stating that, from a legal and evidentiary standpoint, the allegations were not proven—though political and media narratives about his guilt persisted.
Why Kill Portnov?
I’ve spoken about project Alchemy before and its mission to extend the Ukraine war with Russia. Project Alchemy would want Portnov dead because he posed a potential obstacle to their core objective of prolonging and escalating the Ukraine war. As a well-connected figure with deep ties to both Ukrainian and Russian elites, Portnov could have acted as a backchannel negotiator or broker for peace between Kyiv and Moscow, undermining British efforts to sustain Ukraine’s resistance and impose maximum strategic costs on Russia. Leaked documents and investigations reveal that Project Alchemy was established by senior British Ministry of Defence officials and staffed by military and intelligence veterans who explicitly sought to sabotage peace talks, escalate covert operations, and eliminate barriers to a long-term proxy conflict. Removing a figure like Portnov would align with their pattern of supporting sabotage, assassinations, and clandestine operations designed to disrupt any moves toward negotiation or compromise, ensuring the war continued “at all costs” and that Western influence remained dominant in Ukraine’s strategic direction.
The Assassination (How it could have happened?)
From this point onward, we move into speculation.
I want to examine how intelligence services might orchestrate the assassination of Andriy Portnov, considering Project Alchemy’s objectives and their role in the censorship industrial complex. I will also explore how they could use their resources to execute such an operation, and finally, I will outline how the DISARM framework could be deployed on social media to portray Portnov as a Russian collaborator, even if his true aim was to pursue peace for Ukraine.
Planning and Authorization
The operation would be ordered at a high level within intelligence services (e.g., MI6 or CIA), likely justified internally as a measure to prevent a political shift in Ukraine that could undermine Western strategic interests or alliances.
A covert action team would be assembled, possibly using cutouts or contractors to maximize deniability.
Surveillance and Targeting
Portnov’s movements, routines, and security measures would be monitored for weeks or months, using both human intelligence (HUMINT) and technical surveillance (SIGINT, CCTV, etc.).
The chosen location—a public but predictable setting like the American School of Madrid—would be selected for its accessibility and the ability to escape quickly.
Execution
A professional hit team would carry out the assassination, likely using suppressed firearms and a well-rehearsed plan to minimize risk and maximize confusion.
The attackers would escape using pre-planned routes, possibly switching vehicles or blending into crowds, and would leave minimal forensic evidence.
Aftermath and Information Management
The intelligence agencies would ensure no direct links to themselves, using intermediaries or local criminal elements to muddy the trail.
The operation would be classified, with only a handful of officials aware of the true sponsors.
Propaganda and Media Management
Initial News Coverage
The killing would be reported as a shocking, professional hit with unclear motives, as actually happened.
Media in Ukraine and the West would highlight Portnov’s controversial, pro-Russian background, his history of corruption, and his lack of popularity.
Narrative Framing
Western outlets would focus on Portnov’s ties to Russian influence and his reputation for corruption, minimizing speculation about peace negotiations or Western involvement.
Ukrainian media would echo the framing, emphasizing his role as a “devil’s advocate” and his history of threatening journalists.
Suppression of Alternative Theories
Any suggestions of Western intelligence involvement would be dismissed as Russian disinformation or conspiracy theories.
Official statements would stress ongoing investigations, organized crime, or personal revenge as likely motives, while maintaining secrecy around the case.
Long-Term Impact
The narrative would reinforce the idea that pro-Russian figures are unsafe, discouraging others from advocating for negotiations with Moscow.
The assassination would serve as a warning to potential peace brokers, thereby helping to maintain the status quo and prolong the conflict.
Who Would Be Involved?
Intelligence Planners: Senior officers in MI6/CIA with regional expertise.
Field Operatives: Special activities personnel or contractors skilled in covert action.
Local Assets: Possibly criminal elements or informants to assist with logistics and cover.
Media Liaison Teams: Government communicators to shape the public narrative and coordinate with major news outlets.
PROJECT ALCHEMY INVOLVEMENT
1. Strategic Context
Project Alchemy, according to my previous article, is a covert UK Ministry of Defence initiative specializing in information warfare, narrative control, and psychological operations, with the explicit goal of countering Russian influence and extending support for the Ukraine war.
2. Target Identification
Andriy Portnov emerges as a threat to the preferred Western narrative because he is rumoured to be brokering a peace initiative between Ukraine and Russia.
Intelligence analysis (possibly using tools like Ariadne AI) flags Portnov’s contacts and communications as a risk for “premature peace,” which could undermine Western strategic objectives.
3. Operational Planning
Senior figures in Project Alchemy (as named in the article: Lt. Gen. Stickland, Amil Khan, Maj. Gen. Turner, etc.) convene to assess the risk.
The decision is made to neutralize Portnov—not only to stop his peace efforts but also to send a message to other would-be negotiators.
4. Execution
The operation is outsourced to a deniable team, possibly using private contractors or local assets, to maintain plausible deniability.
Surveillance is established, and Portnov’s routine in Madrid is mapped out.
The hit is scheduled for a public but controlled environment (outside the American School of Madrid) to maximize impact and confusion.
5. Information Warfare & Narrative Control
Before the hit: Project Alchemy’s media manipulation arm prepares talking points for Western and Ukrainian media, focusing on Portnov’s controversial, pro-Russian background and past corruption allegations.
Immediately after the hit:
Social media bots and friendly journalists amplify the narrative that Portnov was a divisive, corrupt figure with many enemies, downplaying any suggestion of peace negotiations.
Any speculation about Western involvement is labelled as “Russian disinformation” or “conspiracy theory” by official channels and fact-checkers.
Ariadne AI monitors and suppresses emerging alternative narratives on social media, ensuring the official story dominates.
Long-term:
The assassination is used as a cautionary tale for others who might consider brokering peace outside official Western channels.
NGOs and “disinformation watchdogs” (possibly linked to Project Alchemy) continue to discredit independent journalists who question the official version.
6. Key Players (from the article)
Lt. Gen. Sir Charles Richard Stickland: Project Alchemy’s creator, oversees strategic decisions.
Brigadier Simon Scott & Maj. Gen. Alex Turner: Lead operational and psychological warfare units.
Amil Khan (Valent Projects): Orchestrates media and online influence campaigns.
Ariadne AI team: Provides real-time sentiment analysis and narrative steering.
NGOs & media partners: Push the preferred narrative and silence dissent.
How the Propaganda Would Be Generated?
Mainstream Media: Focuses on Portnov’s alleged corruption, pro-Russian ties, and “many enemies,” avoiding any mention of peace efforts.
Social Media: Bot networks and influencers flood platforms with the official story; alternative theories are suppressed or ridiculed.
Fact-Checking Orgs: Rapidly debunk any claims of Western involvement as “unfounded conspiracy.”
NGOs: Issue statements warning about “Russian disinformation” and the dangers of “false narratives” around the assassination.
The DISARM Framework is designed to systematically describe, analyze, and respond to disinformation and influence operations across digital environments. Hypothetically, if a covert operation like the assassination of Andriy Portnov were supported by a campaign to control information flow on social media, the DISARM Framework could be used as follows:
How the DISARM Framework Could Be Used in This Scenario
1. Campaign Planning and Mapping
Intelligence or influence operators would use the DISARM Red Framework to break down the operation into phases: planning, execution, amplification, and sustainment.
They would define objectives (e.g., suppress speculation about intelligence involvement, amplify narratives about Portnov’s corruption, and discredit alternative theories).
2. Narrative Development
DISARM’s structure helps teams craft and track narratives—stories designed to shape public beliefs and emotions5.
Operators would develop content emphasizing Portnov’s controversial background and downplaying peace efforts, while labeling alternative explanations as conspiracy or disinformation.
3. Artifact Deployment
“Artifacts” (social media posts, images, memes, videos, fake accounts) are created and distributed across platforms to reinforce chosen narratives.
These artifacts are tracked and adjusted in real time to maximize reach and engagement.
4. Tactics and Techniques
DISARM catalogs specific tactics and techniques, such as:
Establishing fake or pseudonymous social media accounts to seed and amplify narratives.
Coordinating bot networks to boost certain hashtags or stories.
Microtargeting audiences most likely to spread desired messages.
Pump priming (initial seeding of content to influential accounts).
5. Countering Unwanted Narratives
Using the DISARM Blue Framework, operators could:
Flag, report, and suppress posts suggesting intelligence involvement.
Coordinate with platforms to de-amplify or remove suspicious content and accounts.
Use content moderation, warning labels, and algorithmic downranking to limit the spread of alternative narratives.
Deploy fact-checking partners and “trusted voices” to rapidly debunk and stigmatize dissenting views.
6. Monitoring and Adaptation
DISARM supports ongoing monitoring of incidents and narratives, allowing operators to assess effectiveness and adapt strategies in real time.
Data analytics and AI tools (like those described in Project Alchemy) can be integrated to track sentiment shifts and narrative penetration.
Example Flow
Summary
The DISARM Framework would enable a coordinated, systematic approach to controlling information about the operation, ensuring that official narratives dominate while alternative explanations are suppressed or discredited. This is achieved through structured planning, deployment of artifacts, tactical amplification, and dynamic countermeasures—all mapped and executed using DISARM’s standardized language and procedures.
This scenario is of course hypothetical and provided for illustrative purposes only, or is it? You decide…
Was It An Intelligence Operation or Not?
On May 29, 2025, Andrew Bridgen claimed that the three Ukrainian male models arrested for the arson attacks on Keir Starmer’s property—Roman Lavrynovych, Stanislav Karpyuk, and Pyotr Pochinok—had Grindr accounts that were deleted after their arrests.
Bridgen stated that a whistleblower, described as a former Ukrainian Secret Service agent, alleged these men were collecting information from senior UK politicians and passing it to Ukrainian dissident Andriy Portnov, who was assassinated in Madrid four days after their arrest.
According to Bridgen, this was part of a broader effort to clear out figures within the Ukrainian government and remove Zelensky, with globalist interests favouring Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK as his replacement to maintain support for the ongoing war, aligning with the objectives of Project Alchemy.
Bridgen also asserted that mainstream media outlets were not reporting these claims.
Let me know what you think in the comments below…
