An inquiry has been launched after a Ukrainian activist and critic of Putin’s Russia was found dead in Portugal.
The body of Ukrainian activist Pavlo Sadokha was discovered in Quarteira, a coastal town in the Algarve region, on Sunday.
The 56-year-old was born in the Ukrainian city of Lviv and had lived in Portugal for more than two decades before his death. In recent years, he had spoken out against Russian propaganda and Kremlin efforts to militarise young people.
Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias reported that while the cause of death had not yet been confirmed, it was believed to be from natural causes. Sadokha had a history of heart disease and police at the scene found no evidence of foul play, the outlet added.
However, Portugal’s Public Prosecution Service have now opened an inquiry to rule out any third-party involvement in Sadokha’s death. According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha, friends and relatives had called for a full autopsy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha paid tribute to Sadokha in a statement on Facebook.
“Pavlo was one of those rare leaders for whom the struggle for Ukraine knew no days off or vacations,” he wrote. “Thanks to his principled stance and tireless energy, Ukraine’s voice in Portugal resonated consistently, clearly, and uncompromisingly.
“His sudden passing is a tremendous loss for the Ukrainian community in Portugal and for Ukrainians worldwide. We have lost a staunch defender of Ukraine, a trusted advisor, and a radiant person with a big heart.”
In 2010, Sadokha was elected chair of the Council of the Ukrainian Union in Portugal and in 2017, he was awarded the Order of Merit, III Class, by the president of Ukraine.
He served as the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) vice president for southern Europe, deputy chair of the UWC International Educational Coordinating Council, and president of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal.
In a statement, the UWC said: “Pavlo dedicated decades of his life to Ukraine and to serving the Ukrainian community in Portugal. He was a key member of the UWC leadership team and was instrumental in establishing the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM) in Portugal.
“For many years, he was one of the strongest voices for Ukrainians in Portugal. He helped organise Euromaidan solidarity actions in Portugal in 2013-2014 and, following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, organised rallies, appeals to Portuguese government officials and support for Ukraine’s defenders.
“He also co-organised Lisbon’s annual Peace March and worked to strengthen Ukrainian media and promote Ukraine’s history and culture.”
Paul Grod, UWC president added: “Pavlo was a highly regarded Ukrainian community leader in Portugal and on the world stage. He was a close friend and someone I could always count on.
“He cared deeply and dedicated his life to serving Ukraine and its people around the world. This is a massive loss and he will be missed deeply. May his memory be eternal.”
