Ukrainians’ vision for victory against Russia
AS RUSSIA continues trying to wipe out Ukrainian culture, last night’s Eurovision Song Contest has never mattered to the country more, says the lead singer of its entry, Kalush Orchestra.
Oleh Psiuk, 27, the lead singer of the hip hop group, said it felt “extremely difficult” to represent his country while it was being invaded, but that the band was determined to prove “our music is alive”.
Speaking before last night’s final in Turin, Italy, he added that a win would lift the spirits of Ukrainians, who have had little good news since the Russian onslaught started on February 24.
The band’s appearance in the contest showed Ukrainians that they are not alone and that the whole of Europe is backing their struggle.
Mr Psiuk added it was “fair” Russia had been banned from the annual contest, as it would make ordinary Russians aware of the truth and consequences of invading another country.
He also told how their dancer MC Kylymmen sacrificed his chance to appear on stage with his six band members after he “took a decision to stay and fight for Ukraine”.
Eurovision has long been popular in Ukraine, which won the competition in 2004, with Ruslana’s song Wild Dances, and 2016, with Jamala’s track 1944.
But this year is entirely different for the eastern-european country.
Mr Psiuk said: “Russians are aiming to kill our culture and we came here to show how unique and beautiful it is. We are here to prove that our music is alive and Ukrainians are not only a brave nation but very talented as well. We feel responsibility, because Eurovision has always been very important for Ukraine.
“Now, like never before, victory matters.”
Last night Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky used social media to send his support to Kalush Orchestra.
Posting a video message, he said: “Very soon in the Eurovision final, the continent and the whole world will hear our native word.
“I believe that, in the end, this word will be ‘Victory!’
“Europe, vote for Kalush Orchestra! Let’s support our fellow countrymen! “Let’s support Ukraine!” Kalush Orchestra only learnt they were to represent Ukraine two days before Putin’s forces invaded.
Fellow Ukrainian musician Alina Pash withdrew when it emerged that she had visited Crimea a year after Russia’s illegal annexation. Since the war started, the band has become increasingly popular – and entered the final as the bookies’ favourite.
Mr Psiuk wrote their song Stefania about his mother before the invasion, mixing rap with Ukrainian folk tradition.
But its lyrics about maternal love, protection and a sense of belonging have taken on a new meaning after the “motherland” came under attack. It has been used in scores of videos and messages of defiance from Ukrainians.
Mr Psiuk said: “We believe in our song.
“It’s so ontime, it reflects the spirit of the time.
“The victory for us will be the recognition of Ukrainian music by the world because of its authenticity
and uniqueness.
“It would mean that the Ukrainian song received the highest scores which it deserves.
“The victory is important in all aspects. “It can definitely raise the spirit of Ukrainians.and it can be very good news which we’ve needed since the beginning of the war.”
The band is named after Mr Psiuk’s home city Kalush, which sits in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains.
While it is not in eastern Ukraine, the area which is most under attack, western Ukraine has suffered air raids and missile strikes. Mr Psiuk noted that “there is no safe place in Ukraine anymore”.
When war broke out, the singer launched the voluntary organisation “Where are You?” helping refugees find places to stay and medicines if needed.
Like all Ukrainians, the group had to make their own way to Poland before catching a flight to Turin for Eurovision.
But they were welcomed by all the other acts from across the continent, who were wearing the Ukrainian flag on their costumes.
Mr Psiuk said: “The whole of Europe is supporting us.we can feel it everywhere.
“On Eurovision night we want to show Ukrainians that they are not alone, that all Europe can observe how we fight in this war and support us. And there is no other way, except for victory.”
Eurovision is also popular in Russia, but he added that it was only right that the country was not allowed to enter.
He said: “It has to make Russians understand that in 2022, one country cannot attack another.
“These are the lessons for those who are in Russia and still do not understand the truth.
“This ban has to make Russians think about the consequences.”