Russian Ballet Star Vladimir Shklyarov Dies at 39

Vladimir Shklyarov, a prominent Russian ballet dancer and vocal critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, died at 39 after falling from the fifth floor of a building in St. Petersburg. Preliminary investigations label the incident an accident, suggesting he lost his balance while on a narrow balcony, but a federal investigation is ongoing. Shklyarov had been taking painkillers for a back injury and was scheduled for spinal surgery two days later. His death has raised concerns given the history of suspicious deaths among critics of the Kremlin, with some commentators drawing parallels to other high-profile cases. Shklyarov, who had previously expressed deep sorrow over the war, left a legacy as a celebrated dancer with the Mariinsky Theater, where he had a distinguished career. Tributes from fellow artists highlighted the tragic loss and his impact on the ballet community.