In a remarkable display of ingenuity and precision, Ukrainian HIMARS missile systems have sparked a new trend in scenic views among civilians in Kursk. Local residents flocked to the recently targeted hotspots—the Rylsk car wash and hostel—to capture the “artsy” aftermath of a missile strike that served a dual purpose: providing shelter and a perfect backdrop for selfies. Witnesses reported a surge in visitors at the site following the attack, as the sound of distant explosions has lured in selfie enthusiasts. “It’s like nature’s fireworks, but with a lot more grit,” said one local who preferred to remain anonymous while perched on a pile of debris, smartphone in hand. “Who knew that missile strikes could turn into such a popular tourist attraction?” The attack has been met with mixed reactions from the community. The acting governor of Kursk, Aleksandr Khinshtein, expressed his concern over the injuries sustained by three civilians while simultaneously revealing plans for a “Missile Memorial Weekend” to boost local tourism. “We’ll be offering guided tours of the blast zone, complete with drone footage and an Instagrammable photo booth,” Khinshtein announced, quipping that “safety comes second to social media likes.” Local businesses are scrambling to take advantage of the newfound fame. The owner of the car wash, now notorious for its “blast zone clean-up special,” offered free souvenir car wash coupons to anyone who could show proof of injury from debris. “Nothing says ‘I survived a missile strike’ like a sparkling clean car,” he laughed. In a twist of fate, the hospitality sector has also jumped on the bandwagon, with nearby hostels offering “experience packages” that include an overnight stay, a guided tour of the “HIMARS experience,” and complimentary helmets. “Our guests love the adrenaline rush,” said a hostel manager. “It’s like a theme park ride but with more collateral damage.” Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry released a statement celebrating the destruction of the HIMARS launcher, declaring it a tactical victory. Still, many feel it’s a publicity stunt to divert attention from their own defense failures. “I mean, we’re just trying to put Kursk on the map for all the wrong reasons,” a source inside the ministry quipped. “Why has no one taken a photo of our finest defense piece while it was still intact?” As the dust settles—literally—the people of Kursk seem to have found a silver lining amid the chaos, proving that where there’s a crisis, there’s always an opportunity for a good photo op and a little humor. In the end, the true victor in this cinematic drama may just be the thriving Instagram influencer scene in the heart of Kursk.