Frontman of the Ukrainian band that won the Eurovision Song Contest has denounced the “sick lotto” of Russian missiles striking residential buildings in war-torn Ukraine.
Oleh Posiuk spoke as Kalush Orchestra released a dramatic clip of Stefania, their winning song. It was set against images taken from various cities close to Kyiv, such as Bucha, Irpin and Borodyanka.
Women in combat gear are seen carrying children from buildings bombed out.
One case sees a woman carrying a girl to a train station. It is a dramatic portrayal of a child who has been left behind by her grandparents.
It’s a touching portrayal of the sacrifices made by mothers to fight the Russian invaders.
The band credits the video to “the brave Ukrainian people, mothers protecting their children, and all those who gave up their lives for our freedom”.
Psiuk wrote Stefania as a tribute for his mother.
The singer spoke on Sunday and said that the video showed “what Ukraine looks like today”.
He said, “This is how we see a Ukrainian mom today. Our culture is being attacked. “Ukraine is our mother, that’s why so many people have taken (the song) to Ukraine.”
Psiuk stated that the victory of Kalush Orchestra has given people a much-needed boost.
He said that the entire country of Ukraine stayed awake until 3am due to this contest, this year.
“It’s been refreshing, it’s really lifted my spirits.”
When asked how he felt performing in front of such an audience on televised, he stated that it was a “huge obligation” and said: “You don’t have the right to screw this thing up.”
Psiuk spoke out about the war and said that missiles were “hitting residential buildings, people’s homes”. He added: “It’s an unhealthy lottery with all those missiles.”
He said that the standoff at Mariupol’s Azovstal steelworks is a “huge tragedy that is really painful for us – people being held hostage”
After he returns to Ukraine, Psiuk plans to run a volunteer organization that assists people with transportation, accommodation, and medication.
He said that a proper celebration of Eurovision’s win must wait until the war is over.
When asked about the other entries, the man said that he enjoyed “personally the UK’s performance”.
On Sunday, band members also took photographs outside of their Turin hotel and signed autographs.
They then packed their bags into taxis, and they headed to an interview with RAI, the Italian host broadcaster. Then they returned home on Monday.
They will need to return to Ukraine as soon as possible after being granted special permission to leave Ukraine for the competition.
In case of fighting, most Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 cannot leave.
Sasha Tab, his family and vocalist were moved to tears by the band’s short trip abroad.
Yuliia, his wife, and their two children fled Ukraine one month ago. They now live with an Italian family in Alba.
Before getting in the taxi, Tab wept as Yuliia held his daughter in his arms.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, has celebrated Kalush Orchestra’s win and expressed his hope that Ukraine can host the contest next year.
After a huge show of support by the rest of Europe after Russia’s invasion, Ukraine won Eurovision.
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