Eurovision: 'The support warms our heart,' say Ukrainians after music contest triumph
Ukraine’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest boosted the morale of those in the war-torn country.
For many on the streets of the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, the news that the Kalush Orchestra won the popular vote gave people a reason to smile.
‘It’s very important for us be-cause it means people in Europe support us,” one woman told Euronews.
“Even other countries gave us so many votes. That’s why we feel like support from everyone from Europe."
“We are very proud of our guys that they won Eurovision,” said another person in Odesa.
“This is very important, not on-ly for us but for the whole of Ukraine."
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Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy also marked the importance of the win for his country.
"Our courage impresses the world. Our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in its history. And I believe - not the last," he wrote on Telegram.
"We will do our best to one day host the participants and guests of Eurovision in Ukrainian Mariupol”.
Despite celebrations across Ukraine, some stressed that it’s more important that concrete help -- such as money and weapons -- follows suit, as that's what is most needed.
“The support yes warms our heart, but we would like to see more action… closing the sky and everything,” a woman in Odesa told Euronews.