Russian Ballet Dancer Vladimir Shklyarov, Outspoken Critic of Putin’s War in Ukraine, Falls 60 Feet to His Death

Russian ballet dancer and outspoken critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Vladimir Shklyarov, tragically died after falling from the fifth floor of a building in St. Petersburg on Saturday.

The 39-year-old, a principal dancer at the prestigious Mariinsky Theater, fell approximately 60 feet to the ground, according to a spokesperson for the theatre, Fontanka reported.

Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov fell to his death Saturday, officials said. AFP via Getty Images

Initial reports from Russian authorities suggested the fall was an accident, blaming the painkillers Shklyarov had been taking in the lead-up to a complex spinal surgery.

However, Shklyarov’s sudden and suspicious death comes amid a troubling pattern of unexplained fatalities among critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

His death is now being linked to a series of other high-profile individuals who have met untimely and unusual ends, including previous cases where people have fallen from windows.

Shklyarov had been an outspoken critic of the ongoing war in Ukraine, using social media to condemn the conflict. In a post from 2022, despite the Kremlin’s crackdown on dissent, Shklyarov declared, “I am against the war in Ukraine! I am for the people, for a peaceful sky above our heads.” He further expressed his desire for diplomacy over violence, stating that politicians should negotiate peacefully, “for this, they were given a tongue and a head.”

Shklyarov’s death came after he was an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin and his war on Ukraine. Alexander Gulyaev/e2w

The dancer, who was married to fellow Mariinsky Theater dancer Maria Shirinkina and was a father of two, also shared poignant memories of his Ukrainian heritage, recounting how his grandfather graduated from school in Ukraine and how his great-grandmother, Sonya, lived in Kyiv her whole life. His heartfelt posts reflected his deep anguish over the war’s devastation and his longing for peace.

Shklyarov was honoured as an Artist of Russia in 2020. Mariinsky Theatre/e2w

Shklyarov’s death follows a disturbing pattern of incidents involving those critical of Putin. In recent years, several prominent figures, including political opponents and journalists, have met similar fates, with some found dead after falling from windows.

The sudden deaths of Lukoil tycoon Ravil Maganov and Marina Yankina, both linked to Putin, were also surrounded by suspicious circumstances, though both were officially attributed to health issues.

In another case, a journalist investigating massive corruption within the Russian government was found dead earlier this year, his body discovered on the side of the road. Like others, Shklyarov’s official cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

The 39-year-old dancer was also the father of two young children. Alexander Gulyaev/e2w

Shklyarov’s legacy as a world-class dancer is undeniable. With a career spanning over two decades at the Mariinsky Theater, he became a principal dancer in 2011 and was named an Honored Artist of Russia in 2020. He performed in iconic productions such as “Giselle,” “Le Corsaire,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Don Quixote,” among others.

The American Ballet Theater, where Shklyarov performed as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, mourned his loss, calling him “an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide.” The company paid tribute on Instagram, saying, “Vladimir danced with American Ballet Theatre as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, leaving an indelible mark on our stage and in our hearts. Rest in peace, Vladimir. Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world.”