While entertaining President Vladimir Putin’s troops in Ukraine, a prominent Russian actress tragically lost her life.
Midway through her guitar performance, Polina Menshikh—who has devoted the majority of her recent career to entertaining soldiers in the occupied Donbas region—was hit by two missiles fired from Ukraine into the cultural center where she was performing. Along with the 40-year-old, another 25 troops were killed and 100 injured in the incident. About 37 miles from the front lines, in the town of Kumachovo, was where the performance was being held.
Some media sources claim that although Russia ordered a blackout on the news of the fallen soldiers, it was nonetheless leaked to the public. The strike was seen on camera, capturing the exact moment the missiles struck the center and completely destroyed it. The room is littered with dust and debris, and a large hole in the ceiling is visible. Steel girders are now laying over the seating area.
The spectacular explosion completely demolished a corner of the building as well, rendering the center useless. The strike, which happened on Sunday, November 19, is believed to have been carried out in revenge for an earlier this month attack by Russia on Ukraine’s 128th Brigade.
Telegram sources, who are often known for supporting Putin’s public relations positions, attacked the performance and the force gathering so near to the border.
Military Informant, a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, claims that the venue for the show event was only 37 miles from the battle lines. The outcome was expected: the adversary used HIMARS to strike, killing Russian actress Polina Menshikh, who was performing at the time.
