Kowerda told the police his name, age, and place of origin, and stated that "I avenged Russia, for millions of people." Kowerda later told police he targeted Voykov not only because he was the representative of the Soviet system which had killed millions of his countrymen, but was one of the men directly involved in the planning and execution of the murder of the imperial family. Despite official condemnations by the Polish government and diplomatic corps and messages of condolence to the Soviet Union and to the relations of Voykov, many people in Poland regarded Kowerda as a hero; public opinion was full of understanding, and even sympathy, for the assassin. Many Polish newspapers emphasized his youth and patriotism, and even forgave him for the political difficulties caused by his actions.