Russian Actress Polina Menshikh Killed in Ukrainian Shelling Attack In a tragic incident, Russian actress Polina Menshikh was killed during a shelling attack in the village of Kumachovo in Donetsk's Starobeshevsky district, according to operational services cited by TASS. The shelling occurred on November 19, with the Ukrainian armed forces firing from their positions in the Elizavetovka area.

Russian actress Polina Menshikh was killed during the concert in DPR when the Ukrainian army attacked the stage by HIMARS missiles.

7 people died and several were wounded. pic.twitter.com/Voqra5TOKk

— Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) November 22, 2023

The attack involved HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, M-30A1 (shrapnel), and M-31 (fragmentation) missiles. The responsibility for the shelling was attributed to the 27th separate rocket artillery brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, commanded by Colonel Dmitry Khrapach. At the time of the attack, Menshikh had been performing at a volunteer concert for soldiers in Kumachovo village. A video released by the Astra Telegram news channel captured the moment of the attack, showing the actress singing before the performance was abruptly interrupted by a loud noise, followed by darkness. Menshikh, born in 1972, was not only an actress but also a choreographer, playwright, and director of the ethnic dance theatre Nezhen and the studio theatre Lege Artist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the incident, emphasizing that Russia has never refused peace negotiations with Ukraine. He blamed Ukraine for pulling out of the negotiation process and called the military actions a tragedy for people. Speaking at the virtual G20 Summit, Putin urged the world to find ways to halt this ongoing tragedy. He stated, "Of course, military actions are always a tragedy for people, families, and the country as a whole. And, of course, we must think about how to stop this tragedy." The Ukrainian military confirmed that there had been an attack in the area on November 19 but claimed that it targeted a Russian military award ceremony, specifically the 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade.

While the Russian defense ministry did not mention any casualties from the attack, a Ukrainian military commander stated that 25 people were killed and over 100 wounded. The Ukrainian commander referred to the attack as revenge for a strike by Russian forces on soldiers from Ukraine's 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade earlier this month, which resulted in the death of 19 Ukrainian soldiers. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The loss of Polina Menshikh's life serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of military actions.