Russian Actress Killed Onstage In Alleged Ukrainian Revenge Strike

In a tragic turn of events, renowned Russian actress Polina Menshikh lost her life during an alleged Ukrainian attack while performing for Russian troops in the Russian-controlled region of eastern Ukraine. The news, reported by the theatre where Menshikh worked, sent shockwaves through the cinematic and military communities alike.

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WATCH: moment Ukraine bombs Russian R&R in Donetsk killing Polina Menshikh #PolinaMenshikh pic.twitter.com/wWcuz5ljxv

— UpToDate (@UpToDateNewsSvc) November 23, 2023

Unverified Details Amidst Confirmed Attacks

Reuters, unable to independently verify the alleged incident, reported that military officials from both Russia and Ukraine confirmed a Ukrainian attack in the Donbas region on November 19. Russian military investigators revealed that HIMARS missiles struck a school and cultural centre in the village of Kumachovo (known as Kumachove in Ukrainian), situated 60 km from the front line. The investigator mentioned one civilian casualty but provided no further details, and the Russian defence ministry remained silent on casualties.

Conflicting Narratives on the Target

Conflicting narratives emerged as Ukrainian commanders claimed the alleged strike targeted a Russian military award ceremony for the 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade. Ukrainian military commander Robert Brovdi asserted on social media that 25 people were killed and over 100 wounded in the attack. This starkly contradicted Russian reports, which made no mention of military casualties and declined to comment on the incident.

The Motive 

The alleged attack, according to Brovdi, was perceived as "revenge for the 128th," referencing a recent Russian strike on Ukraine's 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers. Unverified footage circulating on pro-Russian Telegram channels captured the chilling moment of the strike during Menshikh's performance. The video depicted soldiers enjoying the show before chaos ensued with a sudden blast, shattering windows, and plunging the venue into darkness.

Questions Raised

In the aftermath, questions were raised about the wisdom of allowing a large gathering of soldiers within the range of Ukrainian missiles. Pro-Russian bloggers expressed frustration, particularly on the Rybar Telegram channel, questioning the assumption that the concert's location, 60 km from the front line, made it immune to long-range missile attacks. The channel criticized the oversight, highlighting the existence of enemy missiles capable of reaching the rear.

This tragic incident has sparked renewed calls for Russian cultural leaders to visit areas near the front line, demonstrating solidarity with the soldiers engaged in the conflict since President Vladimir Putin deployed troops in February 2022. The plea emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and strategic planning to prevent further loss of life during cultural events in conflict zones.

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