A Ukrainian popstar who is currently defending his country from Russian forces has thanked Ed Sheeran for last night's Concert for Ukraine. Before Russia invaded his country, Taras Topolia was the frontman of pop-rock band Antytila, and had toured the world with his fellow band members.
Just last week, the band gained traction after they sent a message to Ed Sheeran from the frontline, asking to perform at the Concert for Ukraine, which took place last night (March 29). Although the band did not play at the two-hour benefit show, Taras has now recorded a video from the frontline, thanking Ed for performing at the concert.
Dressed in his uniform, Taras said: "I want to say thank you from all of the Ukranian people for helping us, for taking part in future concerts. It’s very important for Ukranians because, you know, me and my colleagues from band Antytila fighting with Ukrainian military, but our families, our wives and kids are not with us and they need help, like millions of Ukrainian people who escaped from the cities where there is war.
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"So, this concert, despite with Antytila or not, will exactly help our wives, our kids and other people who need this help. So I just want to say thank you Ed Sheeran and thank you for United Kingdom citizens for helping us.
"This really gives us impression. This really makes us excited because we know that here and here the people of Europe that helping us, that praying for us. So only in that way we will win this war."
Last week, Ed Sheeran responded to Antytila's frontman via video. The Bad Habits star said: "I just want to say to all Ukrainians, I love you, I stand with you and I’m so proud to be playing this fundraising event next week.
"I can’t wait to check your music out too, guys. Sending lots of love."
Before the war broke out, Taras Topolia was leading rock group Antytila, which formed back in 2007. Over the years, the band has released six studio albums, and has performed in over 50 cities in their native country.
In 2017, the band put on shows across Ukraine, Belarus, the United States and Canada. Another stadium tour was on the cards for Antytila this summer, until war broke out and three of the band's members ended up on the frontline, with two others working as civilian volunteers.
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