Ukrainian-born ballet phenom Sergei Polunin was rewarded for backing Putin's attacks on his native country, but he appears to have fallen from Moscow's graces.

Sergei Polunin, a former star at London's Royal Ballet, said on Wednesday that he had decided to leave Russia with his family, complaining that his "soul" did not feel like it was in its right place.

A Russian ballet star has said he's leaving the country with his family because his 'soul' doesn't feel like it's in the right place.

MOSCOW - Former Royal Ballet star Sergei Polunin, famous for his tattoos of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Dec 18 announced that he plans to leave Russia.

Sergei Polunin, a former star at London’s Royal Ballet, has announced his decision to leave Russia with his family.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he had pulled Russia back from the edge of the abyss after the chaos which accompanied the fall of the Soviet Union, and had built the country into a sovereign power able to stand up for itself.

Yet, his personal journey has been as dramatic as his performances, marked by triumphs, controversies, and now, a decision to leave Russia. Also read High-Ranking Russian Pilot Found Dead in Apple Orchard Polunin,

Former Royal Ballet star Sergei Polunin, famous for his tattoos of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday announced that he plans to leave Russia.With his tattoos and rebellious attitude, he became known as the "bad boy of ballet" and caused a sensation by resigning from the Royal Ballet at the height of his fame in 2012.