Renowned Russian poet Lev Rubinstein, a prominent figure in the Soviet underground literary movement and a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, has tragically passed away at the age of 76. The poet succumbed to his injuries six days after being struck by a car in Moscow, as announced by his daughter Maria.

The incident occurred on January 8th, when Rubinstein was hit by a vehicle, leading him to be hospitalized and fall into a coma. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he was unable to recover and subsequently passed away.

Known for his involvement in co-founding the conceptualist movement, Rubinstein was celebrated for his shakily poetic, astute, and ironic style. His work garnered international recognition and captured the attention of many within the literary community.

Rubinstein was not only a literary icon but also a staunch supporter of human rights and a vocal critic of the Russian government's policies. He was particularly vocal in his opposition to Russia's military offensive in Ukraine and the government's stance on LGBT rights.

The Memorial human rights organization, which Rubinstein was described to be a close friend of, expressed their condolences and admiration for his contributions. Memorial, one of Russia's oldest civil rights groups, was recently forced to close in the face of intensified government crackdowns following the escalation of the war in Ukraine.

Lev Rubinstein's passing adds to the growing list of individuals who have faced consequences for expressing dissenting views or activism during these turbulent times. The Russian government has recently labeled bestselling author Boris Akunin a foreign agent due to his vocal stance on Ukraine.

The news comes amidst ongoing conflicts, with reports of a Russian air strike causing injuries to Turkish journalists and others in Ukraine's second-largest city. The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with global leaders taking notice and responding to the crisis. Earlier, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a substantial aid package during a surprise visit to Kyiv, marking it as the largest intervention since Russia's invasion.

Lev Rubinstein's legacy as a celebrated poet and a fearless critic will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations of writers and activists. His contributions will be remembered as a vital voice in the fight for human rights and artistic freedom in Russia.