Barantsev began skating at age four and was coached by Alexei Gorshkov from 1994 to 2002. He competed in singles from 1986-1997, competing through the Junior level equivalent of USFigureSkating under the Russian system. He teamed up with Natalia Romaniuta in 1996. They began competing on the ISU Junior Grand Prix Series in 1997, winning a silver medal and placing 4th at their two events. They qualified for their first ISU Junior Grand Prix Final, where they finished 5th. They placed 7th in their first appearance at the World Junior Championships. In 1997, Barantsev dropped his competitive track in singles skating to pursue goals in the partnered discipline of ice dance under the direction of the Russian system of development.