Ed Sheeran sent a message of support to a Ukrainian band that offered to play a charity concert via a video link from Kyiv.
Rock band Antytila went viral on TikTok when they asked the singer, 31, to appear at the Ukraine concert set to take place in Birmingham next week.
The Grammy winner said: “Hey guys, I just watched your video this morning, thank you very much for submitting it.
Support: Ed Sheeran sent a message of support to a Ukrainian band that offered to play a charity concert via a video link from Kyiv
First, I just wanted to say to all Ukrainians, I love you, and I stand with you and am so proud to be playing this fundraising event next week.
“I can’t wait to check out your music guys – and I’m sending you so much love.”
Lead singer Taras Topulia, 34, recorded a message thanking the British people for their support and explaining how he handled the fighting on the front lines.
When asked about his most difficult moments, he said, “One of the hardest things we have had to get used to is the most important rule of war – always shoot first.”
Viral: Rock band Antytila went viral on TikTok when they asked the singer, 31, to appear at the Ukraine concert set to take place in Birmingham next week
‘I LOVE YOU’: The Grammy Award winner said in his Instagram Stories: ‘First, I just wanted to say to all Ukrainians, I love you, and I’m standing with you and I’m so proud to be playing this fundraising event next. week’
The two-hour party will take place on March 29 and will be broadcast on ITV to help the country under attack.
Ed Sheeran is set to perform alongside Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol.
Taras and his comrades have been fighting for their homeland in Kyiv for weeks.
In a message recorded on Friday, he said: ‘We just want to make it clear that despite the great tragedy the war has brought to our country – we are strong, united and ready to fight for our victory.
Band: Band members Antytila, singer and band leader Taras Topolia (C), keyboardist Serhii Vusyk (L), and guitarist Dmytro Zholud (R) pose for a photo in Kyiv
He explained that they started fighting “as soon as [we] I woke up to the sounds of alarm bells in the morning in the capital’.
“We have not considered any other option but to fight with all the people of Ukraine,” he added.
“The future of our children, the future of Ukraine and all of Europe are at stake.”
Before the war, the band played in several international concerts in the United States, Canada and France.
The MTV EMA-nominated band also includes keyboardist Serhiy Vusyk, bassist Mykhailo Chirko, guitarist Dmitry Acorn and drummer Dmitry Vodovozov.
Lineup: The two-hour party will take place on March 29th and will be broadcast on ITV to help the country under attack
They managed to play their music only once since the outbreak of the war – in a hospital in support of the “Courageous Doctors of Kyiv”.
The band is determined to play remotely at ITV’s Concert For Ukraine to use their music as a tool to convey their “necessary message”.
He said: ‘If we are at the party, we will try through the music to convey the main message that Ukraine has not surrendered to the aggressor.
THANKS: Lead singer Taras, 34, recorded a letter thanking the Brits for their support and explaining how he is coping with the fight on the front lines.
‘we are strong. We believe in the victory of Ukraine and every day we do everything to make sure that victory comes.
In a direct message to the people of the UK, he said: “We thank the people of the UK for their support.
“In our hearts are the same values as other people in Europe – when one is about everything, freedom, dignity, mutual respect, tolerance and love of life.”
Soldiers: They have only been able to play their music once since the war broke out – in a hospital in support of the “Brave Doctors of Kyiv”
“Lifelong beer expert. General travel enthusiast. Social media buff. Zombie maven. Communicator.”