A leading Russian ballerina has hit out at Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine claiming she is “ashamed” of Russia.
Olga Smirnova, prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, posted her opposition to the invasion of Ukraine - where she has family.
“I cannot but say that with every fibre of my soul I am against the war,” she said in an emotional post on Telegram.
“Probably every other Russian [person] has relatives or friends living in Ukraine.”
The 30-year-old St Petersburg-born star who has two scheduled performances this month said her grandfather is Ukrainian - “and I am a quarter Ukrainian”.
In a brave, outspoken and heartfelt attack on the war, she said: “We continue to live in the 20th century, although nominally in the 21st.
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“Political issues in a modern civilised society should be resolved exclusively through peaceful negotiations.
“I never thought that I would be ashamed of Russia.
“I have always been proud of the talented Russian people, our cultural and sporting achievements.
“But now the line is drawn on the before and after.
“And it hurts that people are dying, while others are deprived of a roof over their heads or forced to leave their homes.
“And who would have thought a week ago that all this would happen to us, because even if we are not at the epicentre of hostilities, we cannot remain indifferent to a global catastrophe.”
Yekaterina Chebykina, a soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, said: “It was impossible to imagine what is happening now... I am Ukrainian.
“My hometown is Kyiv. Over these seven days, I have come across various statements addressed to me, and my country.
“You can tell me anything, but I know better than anyone what is happening in my hometown, because my relatives are there, relatives, friends with whom I am in touch 24/7.
“I will not call anyone to any action. Everyone must live according to their conscience.
“I can only say one thing, nothing can justify war!!!
“P.S. I want to thank all my friends, colleagues for the words of support to my family!!!”
Vladimir Shklyarov, 37, a principal dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet and a guest principal with The Royal Ballet, posted: “I am against the war in Ukraine!
“I am for the people, for the peaceful sky above your heads.
“Politicians should be able to negotiate without shooting and killing civilians, for this they were given a language and a head.
“My grandfather, Anatoly Filimonovich, graduated from school in Ukraine with a gold medal, my great-grandmother Sonya lived all her life in Kyiv.
“It is impossible to look at everything that is happening today without tears…”
He said plaintively: "I want to dance…
“I want to love everyone - that's the purpose of my life …
“I don't want wars or borders.”
Diana Vishneva, 45, soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, ballet festival director, and friend of Roman Abramovich, said: “We express our opposition to war and any violent action.
“Sorrow, regret, words of support and sympathy fill our hearts.
“All you can think about and ask for now is for the world to be restored.”
Choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov, 74, a Russian-American star, said he “stands in support of the brave citizens of Ukraine.
“They fight for their country and their sovereignty in the face of naked aggression from Russia’s governing powers.
“Artists everywhere understand that freedom - political, personal, and artistic - is essential to a healthy and vibrant society.
“That is the society Ukraine wants and deserves. We stand with all who fight to that end.”
Natalia Osipova, 35, a Russian ballerina, currently a principal ballerina with The Royal Ballet, said: “Nothing can justify war.
“Human life is the most valuable, each person is the whole world.
“How many terrible things people have gone through on earth .... and now in the 21st century, humanism should be a support for the world.
“I am against war.”
The comments came after world famous choreographer and former ballet dancer Alexei Ratmansky, 53, who grew up in Ukraine, had posted: “Putin must stop this war immediately.”
Ratmansky was artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet for four years to 2008.
He left Moscow last month cancelling a premiere at the Bolshoi as Russia invaded Ukraine.
