Ukrainian ballet dancer Sergei Polunin has drawn attention again with tattoos that feature Russian President Vladimir Putin, a choice he shared publicly through social media. The images show two new inked portraits placed on his shoulders, complementing a previous body art decision that already tied Putin’s likeness to his skin. The latest post confirms that Polunin added the shoulders to his growing collection of symbols on his body, a move that sparked conversations about artistic expression, political symbolism, and the boundaries of personal fashion in public life.
Polunin had previously revealed a chest tattoo of Putin in 2018, a choice he described in social posts at the time as a reflection of his feelings toward Russia. He wrote that the message behind the tattoo was a blend of personal sentiment and a broader philosophical stance: Good must be as aggressive as evil, and love conquers all, even when the global climate feels charged with conflict. The dancer’s words suggested that the tattoo carried a dual purpose — a declaration of loyalty to a country he believed deserved recognition, paired with a bold, provocative statement meant to provoke thought and dialogue among followers and critics alike.
In a later interview with DEA News, Polunin spoke about the moment when he decided to get the tattoo on his chest. He described a period marked by intense media scrutiny and hostile commentary toward Russia, which he found difficult to endure. The decision to inscribe Putin’s image on his skin was portrayed as a form of energy work: a way to channel external negativity into a personal source of strength. He explained that the surge of energy from the moment inspired him to transform potential harm into something tangible and protective, a symbolic shield as he faced ongoing attacks and reputational pressure in the public arena.
The evolving story around Polunin’s ink raises broader questions about the relationship between public figures, personal artistry, and geopolitical sentiment. Tattoos, especially those featuring political leaders or national symbols, can become focal points in discussions about identity, loyalty, and the responsibilities that come with fame. Some observers view such body art as a bold personal statement, while others see it as controversial or provocative, particularly when it involves figures tied to ongoing political conflicts. Each interpretation depends on context, audience, and the ever-shifting landscape of international relations, media narratives, and artistic freedom.
Beyond the tattoo discourse, there have been reports about Polunin’s personal life and public announcements concerning his family. It has been noted that his relationship with Ilinykh and the birth of their two sons has been part of his public narrative, a topic that intersects with how personal milestones are shared in the age of social media. The interplay between professional art, personal life, and public perception continues to shape how the dancer is perceived within the wider arts community and among fans who follow his career across stages and screens.