A Russian actress was tragically killed during a live performance in a Russian-controlled area of eastern Ukraine, according to her theatre. Polina Menshikh, 40, was performing for Russian troops when a Ukrainian attack took place. While Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of the incident, military officials from both sides confirmed that a Ukrainian attack occurred in the region on November 19.
According to a Russian military investigator quoted on state television, HIMARS missiles struck a school and cultural center in the village of Kumachovo in the Donetsk region, located 60 km (37 miles) from the front line. The investigator mentioned that one civilian was killed in the attack but did not provide any further information about the victim or mention any military casualties. The Russian defense ministry declined to comment on the incident and has not reported any casualties resulting from the attack.
Ukrainian commanders stated that their forces targeted a Russian military award ceremony, specifically aiming at Russia’s 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade. Robert Brovdi, a Ukrainian military commander, posted on social media that the strike resulted in 25 deaths and over 100 injuries.
Unverified video footage circulating on pro-Russian Telegram channels showed Menshikh performing on stage with a guitar during the missile and artillery forces celebration of the Russian military.
The attack on Kumachovo has been linked to a Russian strike earlier this month on soldiers from Ukraine’s 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, in which 19 soldiers were killed. Ukrainian officials referred to the attack as “revenge for the 128th.”
Some pro-Russian bloggers expressed anger over the incident, criticizing the decision to allow a large gathering of soldiers within range of Ukrainian missiles. The influential Rybar Telegram channel commented, “It seems that very wise people thought and decided that as the concert was 60 km from the front line, then nothing could reach it – as if the enemy has never had long-range missiles that can strike the rear.”
Russian cultural leaders have been encouraged to visit areas near the front line to show support for the soldiers fighting in Ukraine since President Vladimir Putin deployed troops in February 2022.
(Note: This article has been edited for clarity and length. The headline has not been altered and is sourced from a syndicated feed.)
