Local reports have confirmed that a Russian singer, Polina Menshikh, who was entertaining soldiers in an occupied area in Ukraine, was tragically killed when a missile struck the concert hall where she was performing.
The incident occurred in the town of Kumachove, Donetsk Oblast, approximately 37 miles from the frontline. According to Russian commentators on Telegram, two missiles hit the area on November 19, with the first one hitting the car park outside and the second striking the hall.
A video circulating among Russian military blogger channels captures the moment the first missile hits the car park while Ms. Menshikh was singing inside. Shortly after, the screen goes black and the video abruptly ends. Ms Menshikh succumbed to her injuries and passed away in the hospital. She had been performing to commemorate Artilleryman’s Day for the Russian soldiers.
The incident has also resulted in the loss of at least 20 Russian soldiers, as reported by Ukrainian channels. This attack has sparked significant frustration within the Russian milblogger community on Telegram.
According to Mikhail Zvinchuk, the individual behind the popular ‘Rybar’ channel on Telegram and a highly regarded war blogger on social media, the incident was caused by the incompetence of local commanders.
“The tragedy of the situation lies in the fact that the fighters who were in the recreation centre most likely themselves understood perfectly well how large gatherings of people in a combat zone would end,” he wrote.
“And they clearly put their knowledge into practice on the front line, camouflaging positions and avoiding clusters in order to avoid falling under enemy attacks.
“But in the end, all previous efforts went to waste because of one stupid decision to gather in a huge crowd in a conspicuous place.
“And its price, among other things, was the death of a female singer who, unlike the others, had no combat experience, and who entrusted her life to seemingly experienced people.”
