Ukrainian-born ballet star Polunin stripped of citizenship by Zelenskyy - Reason
Sergei Polunin (photo: instagram.com/poluninink)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree stripping Ukrainian citizenship from several individuals holding passports from the aggressor state. The list reportedly includes Odessa mayor Hennadii Trukhanov, former OPZZh MP Oleh Tsarov, and the controversial ballet dancer Sergei Polunin. Here is what is known about Polunin and his pro-Russian views
Kherson native who conquered London
Sergei Polunin was born in Kherson, studied at the Kyiv Choreographic School, and moved to London in 2003.
There, he quickly rose to international fame and became the youngest principal dancer of the Royal Ballet in London, a true legend of his generation.
However, global fame didn't prevent him from getting involved in scandals. After leaving the Royal Ballet, Polunin explored opportunities in different countries and eventually obtained a Serbian passport in 2017, followed by Russian citizenship a year later.
Sergei Polunin (photo: instagram.com/poluninink)
Since then, he has increasingly been associated not with art but with politics. The artist performed in Russian theaters, led the Sevastopol Opera and Ballet Theater in occupied Crimea, and openly supported the Putin regime.
Putin tattoo and admiration for Russia
Polunin has a large tattoo of Putin's face on his chest. In his public statements, he expressed admiration for the "strong leader" and spoke of his gratitude to Russia.
Sergei Polunin (photo: instagram.com/poluninink)
However, by the end of 2024, something seemed to change in his routine. Polunin stated that his "time in Russia expired a long time ago" and that he "fulfilled my mission here for now."
"My soul is not in its place. Thank you for everything Russia has done for me. There comes a time when my soul feels like it is not where it should be," Polunin wrote on social media.
After these words, he left the country. He now lives in Israel, where, he says, he feels calmer.
He even calls himself a "Jewish dancer," got a tattoo of the Star of David on his temple, and is trying to obtain an Israeli passport.
Sergei Polunin (photo: instagram.com/poluninink)
Despite changing locations, the artist has not abandoned his pro-Russian views.
On social media, he continues to call himself "a defender of Russians, Putin, and Jews," adding that "you can love Russia from afar."
