Imagine for a moment, the vibrant life of a passionate Russian ballet dancer, Vladimir Shklyarov. He was known as much for his artistry on stage as for his outspoken criticism against Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Shklyarov, a principal dancer at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, suddenly plummeted from a fifth-floor building on a Saturday, leaving behind a legacy that stretches over two decades. Authorities initially labeled this as an accident, attributing it to the strong painkillers he was taking before a spinal surgery. However, this isn’t the first time critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin have met an untimely end.

Vladimir, a married father of two, had openly opposed the war in Ukraine. In 2022, he took to Facebook to express his views despite the Kremlin’s crackdown. “I am against the war in Ukraine! I am for the people, for a peaceful sky above our heads, ” he wrote. Shklyarov had a deep personal connection to Ukraine, with his grandfather and great-grandmother having lived there. His heartfelt plea for peace and unity was clear. “I want to dance…I want to love everyone – that is the purpose of my life…I do not want wars or borders, ” he emphasized.

The ballet world mourns the loss of Shklyarov, who had been honored as an Honored Artist of Russia in 2020. His career spanned over 20 years at the Mariinsky Theater, where he performed in classics like “Giselle, ” “Le Corsaire, ” and “Swan Lake. ” His guest performances with the American Ballet Theater in 2014 and 2015 left a profound impact. The American Ballet Theater paid tribute to him as “an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide. ”

Sadly, Shklyarov’s death isn’t an isolated incident. Other critics of Putin have also met unusual ends, such as members of Putin’s United Russia party, deputy editors, and prominent business allies. The circumstances surrounding these deaths often raise questions but rarely provide clear answers.

The official cause of Shklyarov’s death remains undisclosed, leaving many to speculate. His vocal opposition to the war and his sudden demise have sparked interest and concern.

Vladimir Shklyarov, a passionate artist and a loving father, will be remembered for the beauty he brought to the world through his dance.

A Mysterious Fall: A Renowned Ballet Dancer’s Untimely Death

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