Russian Ballet Star Falls from Balcony after Criticizing Ukraine War

russia - Russian ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov fell from a balcony to his death after expressing criticism of the war in Ukraine.

Russian ballet talent Vladimir Shklyarov fell from a balcony on Saturday from the fifth floor. The ballet star did not survive, and Russian authorities are calling it an accident.

A spokesperson for the Mariinsky Ballet House in Saint Petersburg announced the accident to news channel CNN. Shklyarov was seen as a major star in ballet within and outside Russia. At the age of 39, she fell from a fifth-floor balcony, according to Russian police, and did not survive the accident.

Russian authorities have stated that an investigation has been launched, but have already concluded that the fall must have been an accident. The ballet dancer passed away two days before undergoing a back surgery, for which he was already receiving strong painkillers. Whether this is related to the accident is unclear.

Criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, the ballet dancer criticized the invasion of Ukraine. 'I am against the war! I am for the people and for the freedom around us,' read a post on a Facebook account of a former colleague. The quotes are from the late Shklyarov and can still be found on social media.