Russian Actor Polina Menshikhand Killed in Ukrainian Attack on Stage

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Tragic Incident: Russian Actor Polina Menshikhand Killed in Ukrainian Attack on Stage

In a shocking turn of events, a Russian actor, Polina Menshikhand, met an untimely demise during a Ukrainian attack while performing for Vladimir Putin’s marines in Donetsk, a Russian-controlled region of eastern Ukraine. The news of Polina Menshikhand’s death was confirmed by the Russian state-run TASS news agency, leaving the entertainment industry and fans in deep sorrow.

The Portal theater in St. Petersburg expressed their grief in a statement, saying, “It is with great pain that we inform you that Polina Menshikhand passed away yesterday at a performance in the Donbas due to shelling.” This incident has sent shockwaves through the theater community, highlighting the dangers faced by performers in conflict zones.

Both military officials from Russia and Ukraine have verified the occurrence of a Ukrainian attack in the region on November 19, as reported by the news agency Reuters. A video capturing the tragic incident has gone viral on social media, further intensifying the heartbreaking nature of the incident. The footage, released by the Russian news Telegram channel Astra, depicts the 40-year-old actor passionately singing and playing the guitar on stage at a crowded cultural center.

Suddenly, a deafening crash reverberates through the venue, causing the camera to shake uncontrollably before cutting to black. In the aftermath, a voice can be heard exclaiming in Russian, “F**k!” This horrifying incident serves as a grim reminder of the immense risks faced by artists who continue to perform in conflict-ridden areas.

According to a Russian military investigator quoted on state television, the attack targeted a school and cultural center in Kumachovo, a village in the Donetsk region located approximately 60 km (37 miles) from the front line. The investigator disclosed that HIMARS missiles were responsible for the tragic outcome. Regrettably, the investigator did not provide specific details about the civilian casualty, focusing solely on the destruction caused rather than the loss of life.

Contrary to the Russian account, Ukrainian commanders assert that their forces had targeted a Russian military award ceremony, specifically aiming at Russia’s 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade. While the Russian defense ministry did not acknowledge any casualties resulting from the attack, a Ukrainian military commander claimed that 25 individuals perished, with over 100 sustaining injuries. This devastating strike was purportedly carried out as “revenge for the 128th,” alluding to a recent Russian attack on soldiers belonging to Ukraine’s 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, which claimed the lives of 19 Ukrainian soldiers.

The tragic death of Polina Menshikhand serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by civilians and artists in war-torn regions. As investigations continue to unfold, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented performer, while the world grapples with the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

Published By: Manisha Pandey
Published On: Nov 23, 2023.