In a deeply poignant moment during the Eurovision Song Contest, Ukrainian music duo Tvorchi took the stage in Liverpool to perform their song “Heart of Steel” while their hometown of Ternopil was being attacked by Russian missiles. The head of Ternopil regional state administration, Volodymyr Trush, confirmed that two people were injured, and warehouses in the city were damaged. Ukraine’s foreign ministry accused Russia of targeting Kyiv and Ternopil regions, including the hometown of the performing duo, during the Eurovision performance.
Just ten minutes before their stage appearance, Tvorchi posted on Instagram, acknowledging the reports of the attack on Ternopil. Their heartfelt message expressed solidarity with all Ukrainian cities facing daily shelling, calling for Europe to unite against evil for the sake of peace. The emotional performance of “Heart of Steel” depicted the courageous resistance of troops against Russian forces at the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, capturing the ongoing conflict’s realities.
Liverpool hosted the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, as the country continues to grapple with the conflict with Russia. Tvorchi, comprised of producer Andrii Hutsuliak and vocalist Jeffery Kenny, aimed to defend Ukraine’s Eurovision title following Kalush Orchestra’s victory in 2022. Their performance resonated with the audience and received praise, with acts from other nations joining in waving the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine as a symbol of support.
While Swedish artist Loreen ultimately won the Eurovision crown in a thrilling finish, Tvorchi’s performance stood as a poignant reminder of the ongoing danger faced by the people of Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion. Dame Melinda Simmons, the UK’s ambassador to Ukraine, described their performance as deeply meaningful, emphasizing that the inability of Ukraine to host the event was a direct consequence of Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Ternopil’s mayor, Serhiy Nadal, expressed gratitude to Tvorchi for their support during their Eurovision performance. Taking to Facebook, he stated that the city was attacked by Russian missiles during the band’s performance and praised the symbolic unity their speech represented for the entire world, emphasizing the strength and resilience of both their city and the nation as a whole. Mayor Nadal confirmed that the fire at the warehouse in Ternopil had been brought under control, and the two individuals injured in the attack were receiving treatment for minor injuries.
As tensions continue to escalate, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Pope Francis at the Vatican and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome earlier in the day. He subsequently traveled to Germany, arriving in Berlin in the early hours of the morning.
In this remarkable display of resilience, Tvorchi’s Eurovision performance became a powerful testament to the determination and spirit of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity, while also shedding light on the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for peace.