Mystery Surrounds Death of Russian Ballet Star After Balcony Fall

Renowned Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov died after falling from a fifth-floor balcony in St. Petersburg. The Mariinsky Theater, where he was a principal dancer, confirmed his death, describing it as a significant loss. Shklyarov, who was scheduled for spinal surgery, had been taking strong painkillers. Authorities ruled out foul play, citing the death as accidental. Shklyarov had publicly opposed Russia's war in Ukraine, expressing his desire for peace.