Russian Defector's Violent Death in Spain: A Warning Signal from Moscow

Russian security chief Dmitry Medvedev disparaged murdered defector Maksim Kuzminov, calling him a "dog" and celebrating his death, following similar comments from spy chief Sergei Naryshkin. Kuzminov, a former Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine, was found dead in Spain after publicly condemning Moscow's actions. Spanish media reported that he was killed by a "group of professionals," with evidence suggesting Russian-made ammunition was used. Russian state media has portrayed Kuzminov as a "traitor" and an "example" to others, while also revealing that Russian military intelligence had orders to assassinate him.