Polina Menshikh, a 40-year-old Russian actress, lost her life during a performance in the Donbas region, an area under Russian control in eastern Ukraine. This unfortunate incident occurred while she was on stage, entertaining Russian troops stationed in the region.
While the specific details of the incident involving the death of Russian actress Polina Menshikh remain unverified by Reuters, military officials from both Ukraine and Russia have confirmed an attack in the region on November 19.
As reported by Russian state television, a significant incident occurred in the Donetsk region, specifically in a village known as Kumachovo. This village, located approximately 60 kilometers (or 37 miles) from the front line of the conflict, was the site of a devastating attack.
The investigator reported that a school and a cultural center in the village were struck by High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) missiles.
An investigator, whose identity has not been disclosed, reported that a civilian was killed in the incident. However, the investigator did not provide any additional details about the civilian, such as their name or age. Interestingly, the investigator did not mention any military casualties resulting from the attack.
According to statements from Ukrainian military commanders, their forces have reportedly carried out a targeted strike. The target of this operation was said to be a ceremonial event held by the Russian military. More specifically, it was an award ceremony being conducted by Russia’s 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade.
In a recent social media post, Robert Brovdi, who holds a position of authority in the Ukrainian military as a commander. He reported that the strike had resulted in a significant number of casualties, with the death toll reaching 25. In addition to those who tragically lost their lives, the strike also left more than 100 people wounded.
There have been recent reports of unverified video footage circulating on Telegram channels that are known to support Russian viewpoints. This footage appears to show a scene where soldiers are seen as an audience to a performance by Menshikh.
Robert Brovdi, the commander of a Ukrainian drone unit active in Bakhmut, who is also known by the name “Madyar”, made a statement referring to a recent attack as “revenge for the 128th”.
Earlier this month, the brigade suffered a devastating loss when it was targeted by a Russian missile strike. The strike occurred during a ceremony on the occasion of Rocket Forces and Artillery Day. Tragically, the brigade reported that 19 of its soldiers were killed in the attack.
In response to this incident, Brovdi’s statement suggests that any subsequent actions taken by the Ukrainian forces could be seen as a form of retaliation or “revenge” for the losses suffered by the 128th Brigade.
In the aftermath of the attack on Kumachovo, a wave of discontent has been observed among certain pro-Russian bloggers. These bloggers, who often provide frontline updates and commentary on the ongoing conflict, expressed their frustration and anger over what they perceived as a significant tactical error.
The Rybar Telegram channel, made a pointed comment about the recent attack on the concert in Kumachovo. The channel’s administrators, expressed their perspective on the incident with a tone of sarcasm and criticism.
They stated, “It appears that individuals, who are presumably wise, made the decision that since the concert was taking place 60 kilometers away from the front line, it would be safe from any attacks.”
JUST IN: Russian actress Polina Menshikh was killed by a Ukrainian missile while performing for Russian marines.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 22, 2023
The incident happened in the village of Kumachovo which is 40 miles from the front lines.
The strike was conducted by the Ukrainian military using a US-supplied… pic.twitter.com/7xNtawpBzT
“It’s as if the enemy has never possessed long-range missiles capable of striking targets located in the rear.”
In the wake of the military intervention in Ukraine initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, there has been a call to action directed towards prominent figures in the Russian cultural sphere. This appeal urges these cultural leaders to make their presence felt in areas close to the front line of the conflict.
The #Ukrainian Armed Forces' strike on the cultural center in the DPR, which resulted in the death of actress/singer Polina Menshikh, hit the roof above the stage directly.
The auditorium is practically undamaged, but the roof above the stage is destroyed, pic.twitter.com/O4CpRYhwPI
— Arthur Morgan (@ArthurM40330824) November 22, 2023
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