In a tragic incident, Russian actress Polina Menshikh lost her life during a performance for troops in an occupied part of Ukraine. The shelling, reportedly in retaliation for a Russian attack on a Ukrainian military awards ceremony, occurred in the village of Kumatove in the Donetsk region. Approximately 20 Russian soldiers were said to be killed, with the strike targeting a dance hall where the entertainment event was taking place. The Russian military confirmed the death of the actress but refrained from commenting on troop casualties. Pro-war bloggers criticized the organization of the show, deeming it vulnerable to attack. A video circulating on social media purportedly captured the moment of the strike, showing Ms. Menshikh on stage before an explosion plunged the hall into darkness. The Ukrainian army spokesperson confirmed the strike, shedding light on a grim chapter in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, where other areas, such as Avdiika and Bakhmut, have witnessed intense fighting in recent months.
