Ukrainian band Antytila hosts army fundraiser

Rock band Antytila
Image caption,

Dmytro Zholud, Taras Topolia and Serhii Vusyk served as voluntary army medics in Kyiv and Kharkiv

  • Published

One of Ukraine's top rock bands has been hosting a series of UK charity events to raise money for the country's armed forces.

Antytila, whose shows culminate in Birmingham later, became famous around the world in 2022 when members posted an online video offering to perform at a fundraising concert for Ukraine.

Organisers did not permit them to appear as they were serving in the war against Russia as medics, but a collaboration with Ed Sheeran followed.

Singer Taras Topolia said proceeds from the tour would go towards the purchase of boats for medical evacuations.

Image caption,

Singer Taras Topolia said the band was raising funds needed by the Ukrainian army fighting Russia

"The most important thing to understand [is] that we need support, that the war continues," he said.

"Our nation continues to struggle for our people and our common future."

The band will show a documentary about their perspective of war, answer audience questions and host a charity auction, before an acoustic performance.

Members said they had raised more than $2m for Ukraine armed forces over the past 18 months since completing military duties.

The gig starts at Forum Birmingham at 19:00 BST.

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