Are Russians in Germany safe? Pilot’s assassination in Spain raises concerns – Bild

Kuzminov was the Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine with a helicopter.

Foreign intelligence services and their agents could be planning operations to kidnap or kill Russian dissidents in Germany, said Bild.

German law enforcement officials acknowledge that "acts of state terrorism" indeed pose a serious threat. Those opposing the Putin regime are at significant risk, stated German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

"Some of these courageous individuals have found shelter from political persecution in Germany,” said Faeser.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure their safety here. Therefore, federal and state security agencies are investigating all clues of potential threats and are closely sharing information."

German security agencies are in contact with Spanish authorities, and the investigation into Kuzminov's murder is "in full swing," Faeser noted.

"The suspicion is clear: based on the circumstances known at this time, this could be a case of state terrorism. We know that war instigator Putin will stop at nothing."

A total of 1,900 Russians have received political asylum in Germany since 2022, Bildreported.

The news of Kuzminov's death spread rapidly on Feb. 19, fueled by Russian Telegram channels and media outlets that cited Spanish news sources.

Reports indicated that he sustained five to twelve gunshot wounds, and a car believed to be connected to the incident was found nearby burned and abandoned.

Ukrainian intelligence later confirmed the Russian pilot's death.

Ukraine had offered Kuzminov protection, implying he would have been safer had he stayedin Ukraine, noted Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov.

Further reports from Spanish media suggested a violent end for Kuzminov, who was allegedly shot and subsequently run over by his own vehicle. Europa Press raised questions about the authenticity of Kuzminov's documents, prompting a deeper investigation.

A professional group is suspected to be involved in Kuzminov’s assassination, reported El Español, drawing on insider information. The publication suspects that the act was premeditated and several suspects could by at play.