Ukrainian ballet star Artyom Datsishin dies three weeks after being hit by a Russian shell, sparking outrage in Moscow

A LEADING Ukrainian ballet star died three weeks after he was reportedly shot at by Russian invaders, sparking outrage in Moscow.

Artyom Datshin, who starred in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet, died at the age of 43.

5

5

5

He had been fighting for his life in the hospital for almost three weeks.

The internationally acclaimed star – an Honored Artist of Ukraine – was wounded two days after the start of the Russian invasion of the capital Kyiv.

“On February 26, he was fired upon by the Russian military,” said his girlfriend Tatyana Borovik.

“He was badly injured and died in hospital.”

Datshin had toured in Europe and the US.

His dance style has “academic expressiveness, romantic elation and psychological depth”.

His funeral took place today in Kyiv.

The ballet star’s death was confirmed by Anatoly Solovyanenko, the director of the National Opera of Ukraine.

His death by Russian fire sparked anger from one of Moscow’s biggest ballet names, choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, former artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet.

“I’m angry,” he said, adding that Datshin’s death at the hands of Russian invaders caused “excruciating pain.”

Artyom Datsishin, principal dancer of the National Opera of Ukraine, died today in Kiev hospital from wounds he received on February 26 when he came under Russian artillery fire.

“He was a beautiful dancer who was loved by his peers.

“Excruciating pain.”

One of Datshin’s colleagues, Tatiana Borovik, wrote on Facebook: “Farewell my dear man !! I can’t express my heartbreak that’s overpowering me!

“May your memory be bright”.

5

5