Ed Sheeran has sent a message of support to a Ukrainian band that has offered to play a benefit concert via video link from Kyiv.
Rock band Antytila went viral on TikTok when they asked the 31-year-old singer to perform at the Concert for Ukraine, which is due to take place in Birmingham next week.
The Grammy winner said on his Instagram Stories: “Hey guys just checked out your video this morning, thanks for sending it.
Support: Ed Sheeran has sent a message of support to a Ukrainian band that has offered to play a benefit concert via video link from Kyiv
“First of all, I just wanted to say to all Ukrainians: I love you, I stand by you and I’m so proud to be playing at this fundraising event next week.
“I can’t wait to try your music guys – and I send you lots of love.”
Lead singer Taras Topolya, 34, recorded a message thanking the British for their support and explaining how he is coping with the fight at the front.
When asked about his toughest moments, he said, “One of the hardest things we’ve had to get used to is the most important rule in war – always shoot first.”
Viral: Rock band Antytila went viral on TikTok when they asked the 31-year-old singer to appear at the concert for Ukraine, which is due to take place in Birmingham next week
‘Love you’: On his Instagram Stories, the Grammy winner said, ‘First of all, I just wanted to say to all Ukrainians, ‘I love you guys, I stand by you guys and I’m so proud to be playing at this fundraiser next week’
The two-hour performance takes place on March 29 and will be broadcast on ITV in support of the nation under attack.
Ed Sheeran will appear alongside Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol.
Taras and his bandmates have been fighting for their nation in Kyiv for weeks.
In a message recorded on Friday, he said: “We just want to make it clear that despite the great tragedy that war has brought to our country, we are strong, united and ready to fight for our victory.
Band: Members of the band Antytila, singer and bandleader Taras Topolia (C), keyboardist Serhii Vusyk (L) and guitarist Dmytro Zholud (R) pose for a portrait in Kyiv
He explained they started fighting “as soon as [we] woke up in the morning in the capital to the sounds of the air raid alarm.
“We didn’t consider any other option but to fight together with all the people of Ukraine,” he added.
“The future of our children, the future of Ukraine and all of Europe is at stake.”
Before the war, the group played in numerous international concerts in the USA, 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 performance takes place on March 29th and will be broadcast on ITV in support of the nation under attack
They have only been able to perform their music once since the outbreak of war – in a hospital in support of the “brave doctors of Kyiv”.
The band are determined to play remotely at ITV’s Concert for Ukraine to use their music as a tool to get their “necessary message” across.
He said: “When we are in the concert, we will try to convey through the music the main message that Ukraine has not surrendered to the aggressor.
Thank you: Lead singer Taras, 34, recorded a message thanking Brits for their support and explaining how he is coping with fighting on the front lines
‘We are strong. We believe in Ukraine’s victory and we do everything every day to ensure 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 we have the same values as other people in Europe – when a person cares about everything, and about freedom, dignity, mutual respect, tolerance and love of life.’
Soldiers: They have only been able to perform their music once since the outbreak of war – in a hospital to support the “brave doctors of Kyiv”.