Sergei Polunin is a Ukrainian-born Russian ballet dancer. Former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet in London, Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre, Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Bavarian State Ballet in Munich. Born on November 20, 1989, in Kherson, Ukrainian SSR.
In 2017, he obtained Serbian citizenship, and in 2018—Russian citizenship.
In November 2018, he was listed in the database of the Mirotvorets website for complicity with Russian invaders, anti-Ukrainian propaganda, unlawful visits to occupied Crimea, and other violations.
Polunin's stance on the war in Ukraine
As anticipated, Sergei Polunin openly supported Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine:
I am for Russia. Because I believe in Vladimir Vladimirovich, in the righteousness of his actions. That is why time and again I take Russia's side. And I must admit, this isn't easy, because you find yourself feeling unwelcome around those who yawn in your face. I hope that gradually everything will change.
Incident in Uzbekistan
In September 2022, the ballet dancer performed in Tashkent dressed in a military uniform with a routine glorifying Russian soldiers killed in the so-called "SVO." According to the approved program, the performance was supposed to feature the song "Take Me To Church" by Irish musician Hozier, but at the last moment it was reportedly replaced with the song "Vstanem" (Let's Rise) by Russian singer SHAMAN. The incident sparked outrage among several official representatives of Uzbekistan.
Subsequently, due to Uzbekistan's official complaint, he was banned from performing the routine at a Red Square concert in Moscow marking the annexation of Ukraine's occupied territories. «Guys, I was defending you», the dancer emotionally addressed Russian officials, accusing them of «caving in».
Devotion to Putin
In 2024, Sergei Polunin became an official campaign surrogate (authorized representative) for Vladimir Putin in the Russian presidential election. Polunin has three tattoos of Putin's face on his body. On Instagram, he described the Russian dictator as an «angel», a «protector», and a «good person full of light and love».
Fundraising for the Russian military
The artist repeatedly assisted fighters of the so-called SVO, donating proceeds from his performances to military needs. He organized fundraisers to purchase thermal imagers, quadcopters, electronic warfare equipment, painkiller medications, as well as drones capable of delivering water:
A person's foremost duty should be assisting the Russian army. People tell me it's a drop in the ocean, that it's none of my business. But this is genuinely important and useful. It is essential for soldiers to feel supported. The next step now will be working out how to deliver water to the trenches using drones. This is crucial. We are going to buy ten drones now and test them. It will be much safer to deliver water to the trenches this way.
Sanctions
In March 2022, he received an entry ban to Latvia due to his vocal support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Since April 18, 2025, he has been under sanctions by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine for justifying Russia's war against Ukraine.
On October 14, 2025, Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne Novyny, citing its own sources, reported that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stripped Sergei Polunin of his Ukrainian citizenship.
Across multiple European countries, his performances have repeatedly been cancelled due to Polunin's overt support for Russia's war against Ukraine, as well as his «homophobic and sexist» tirades on social media.
Departure from Russia
In December 2024, Polunin announced his decision to leave Russia, posting on his Telegram channel:
My soul is uneasy. Thank you for everything Russia has done for me. A time comes when the soul feels it is not where it belongs. My time in Russia ended long ago, as though I have now fulfilled my mission here. Russia has very kind, deeply humane people. Where we will go is not yet clear, and I only hope that my soul finds peace and settles in its right place.
Currently, Sergei Polunin lives with his family in Israel. He refers to himself as a «Jewish dancer», got a Star of David tattoo on his temple, and is attempting to obtain an Israeli passport. On social media, he continues to call himself a «defender of Russians, Putin, and Jews», remarking that «one can also love Russia from afar».
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