Ukraine's Eurovision Trophy Sold To Help Fund War Against Russia
The Ukrainian band who won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest have sold their trophy for £712,000 ( $900,000) to help fund the war against Russia.
Kalush Orchestra won the annual competition earlier this month with their track Stefania - amassing an impressive 631 points from both public and jury votes.
Receiving the trophy, Kalush Orchestra said: “Thank you for supporting Ukraine. This victory is for every Ukrainian. Slava Ukraini.”
Advert
Following their win, the band decided to auction off the crystal microphone trophy on Facebook to help out with war efforts in their country.
Ukrainian TV presenter Serhiy Prytula said the cash raised from the sale would be used to purchase drones.
Extraordinarily, members of Kalush Orchestra were actually fighting on the frontline in the Ukraine war before being given special permission to compete in Eurovision.
The group told Eurovision TV: "We feel a big responsibility, since we received permits to leave Ukraine to be here. We have a duty to be useful to our country at this moment. We didn't have any opportunity to rehearse together for a long time, but now, we've gone into 'extra mode'.
"We're all very hard working, and we're all doing what we can to make this happen. We've enjoyed seeing people singing our song, even if they didn't know all the words. We really appreciate seeing people supporting Ukraine, and supporting us."
Winners of the contest are usually tasked with hosting the event the following year, something some fans were unsure could go ahead given the current situation in Ukraine.
However, following his country’s win Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine will host next year’s contest.
In a post on Facebook he wrote: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year, Ukraine will host Eurovision.
“For the third time in its history. And as I believe: Not the last. We will do our utmost to one day host the participants and visitors of Eurovision in Ukrainian Mariupol. Free, peaceful and rebuilt!
“Thank you for winning, Kalush Orchestra, and everyone who voted for us! I am sure that our victorious chord in the battle with the enemy is approaching.
“Slava Ukraini!”
Speaking before the win, member of Kalush Orchestra Oleh Psiuk was also hopeful Eurovision could be held in the country - he said: "Eurovision next year [will be] in the free home and reconstructed and rebuilt and happy Ukraine."
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Claire Reid