A LEADING Ukrainian ballet star has died three weeks after reportedly being shelled by Russian invaders, sparking outrage in Moscow.

       Artyom Datsishin who had performed the main roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Romeo and Juliet died aged 43.

       5

       Artyom Datsishin died after being shot by Russian shells Credit: East2West 5

       The ballet star spent three weeks in hospital fighting for his life Credit: East2West 5

       Datsishin had performed main roles in Swan Lake, the Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty Credit: East2West

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

       The internationally-acclaimed star - an Honoured Artist of Ukraine - had been wounded in capital Kyiv two days after the Russian invasion began.

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

       “He was seriously wounded and died in the hospital.”

       READ MORE ON UKRAINE

       STUCK IN HELL Trapped kids may DIE because Russians won't stop shelling bombed-out theatre

       IN THE DARK Teacher's partner 'may not know he was shot dead by Putin's snipers,' pal says

       Datsishin had toured in Europe and the US.

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

       His funeral was being held in Kyiv today.

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

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

       Most read in The Sun

       LEW SERIOUS? Lewis Hamilton doubts Mercedes' F1 title challenge just days before new season

       NOT BLUE AGAIN CL quarter-final draw simulated as Chelsea land Real and Liverpool get City

       NOT WRIGHT Ian Wright launches X-rated defence of Rashford after confrontation with fans

       GOING NOWHERE ‘Hero’ P&O captain locks himself on ship & bars cops from coming aboard

       “I am furious,” he said, adding that Datsishin’s death at the hands of Russian invaders provoked “unbearable pain”.

       “Artyom Datsishin, a principal dancer with the National Opera House of Ukraine, died today in the Kyiv hospital from wounds received on February 26 when he got under Russian artillery fire.

       “He was a beautiful dancer loved by his colleagues.

       “Unbearable pain.”

       One of Datsishin's colleagues, Tatiana Borovik posted on Facebook: "Farewell my dear man!! I can't express my heartache that is overwhelming me!

       "May your memory be bright".

       5

       The ballet star died aged 43 Credit: East2West 5

       He was described as a " beautiful dancer loved by his colleagues" Credit: East2West More info

       The Ukraine Crisis Appeal will support people in areas currently affected and those potentially affected in the future by the crisis.

       In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world.

       For more information visit https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/disaster-fund