Ukraine’s Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra condemn ‘sick lottery’ over Russian rockets as they release dramatic new video | World News

The frontman of the Ukrainian band that won the European Song Contest has condemned the “sick lottery” of Russian missiles hitting residential buildings in his war-torn country.

Oleh Psiuk was speaking when the Kalush Orchestra released a dramatic video of their winning song, Stefania, based on images from several cities near Kyiv – Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka and Hostomel.

Children are brought from buildings bombed by women in combat gear.

In one case, a woman carried a baby girl into a train station – in a play about a child being left with her grandparents.

It is an influential portrait of the sacrifices of mothers as they battled the Russian invaders.

In the credits at the end, the band says that the video is “dedicated to the brave Ukrainians, to the mothers who protect their children, to all those who gave their lives for their freedom. we”.

Stefania was written by Psiuk as a tribute to his mother.

Speaking on Sunday, the singer said the video shows “what Ukraine is like today”.

He added: “This is how we see a Ukrainian mother today. Our culture is under attack. After all, Ukraine is our mother, and that’s why so many people. heard (song).”

Kalush Orchestra’s victory gave people a much-needed boost, Psiuk said.

“I think the whole of Ukraine stayed up until 3 am because it is very important for us – this competition, this year,” he commented at a press conference.

“It was refreshing and it really lifted our spirits.”

When asked how he feels performing in front of such a huge TV audience, he said it was a “huge responsibility” and thought to himself, “You have no right to do this wrong. .”

Speaking of the fight, Psiuk said the rockets were “hit residential buildings, people’s homes” and added: “It’s a sick lottery with all those rockets.”

The incident at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, he said, was a “major disaster that really hurts us – people are being held hostage”.

After returning to Ukraine, Psiuk will return to running a charity that helps people get accommodation, transportation and medicine.

A proper celebration of Eurovision’s victory will have to wait until the war is over, he said.

When asked about other entries, he said he “personally enjoyed the UK performance”.

Band members also posed for pictures and signed autographs outside their hotel in Turin on Sunday.

They then packed up in a taxi and went for an interview with the Italian host RAI TV station before returning home on Monday.

After being given a chance to leave Ukraine to participate in the competition, they had to hurry back.

Most Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country if it is necessary to fight.

The band’s brief trip abroad resulted in a tearful moment for vocalist Sasha Tab and his family.

He had to say goodbye to his wife Yuliia and two children, who had fled Ukraine a month ago and was living with an Italian host family in Alba.

Yuliia cried as Tab held his daughter in his arms before getting into the car.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the Kalush Orchestra’s victory, saying he hopes Ukraine will be able to host the competition next year.

Ukraine won Eurovision after a great support from the rest of the continent after Russia invaded the country.