One of Ukraine's Eurovision winners bid his girlfriend an emotional farewell before bravely heading back to his war torn homeland to fight in the war against Russia.
Oleh Psiuk from folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra was pictured kissing partner Oleksandra as he left his hotel in Turin, Italy, on Sunday, May 15, following the band's victory in the competition.
Psiuk has to return to the fray under Ukrainian law, which has banned all men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country so that they can contribute to the war effort. He said in an interview with Rolling Stone that the ban was enforced in the first hours of the invasion - just two days after his band was selected to represent the country at Eurovision 2022.
The six piece had received special permission to temporarily leave the country to represent Ukraine in the contest, and there release was "supported by everyone" - on the condition that they returned to the country the day after the final. You can read all our stories about the invasion of Ukraine here.
The band lead the country to victory in the contest with their track Stefania, finishing with a whopping 631 points. The UK's entry by Sam Ryder, which came second, had been in a commanding lead before the public votes were added.
Kalush Orchestra combines ethnic motifs with modern sounds using different folk instruments and was named after the Ukrainian city of Kalush. Stefania has become a popular anthem among Ukrainians during the war.
As their vibrant performance ended on Saturday, the band made a desperate plea for help, saying they'll be going back to the frontline to defend their country in the war against Russia. "Please help Ukraine, Mariupol, Azovstal [steel works], right now," said Psiuk.
Following Ukraine's triumph, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, suggesting the contest could be held one in the besieged city of Mariupol. To sign up for the WalesOnline newsletter, click here.
