Ukrainian rock band issue moving message about war after bid to join Resorts World Arena concert

A Ukrainian rock band frontman fighting on the front who offered to play alongside Ed Sheeran in the UK charity concert has released a moving message to Brits.

Band Antytila want to play at the Concert for Ukraine due to take place at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham next week, via video link from Kyiv.

Their message to Ed Sheeran, offering to play at the gig via video link went viral.

Now lead singer Taras Topolya, 34, has recorded a message thanking Brits for their support, and explaining how he copes with fighting on the front line.

What have Antytila said in their own words?

Lead singer Taras Topolya and his bandmates have been fighting for their nation in Kyiv for weeks.

Asked about his most difficult moments he said: "One of the most difficult things that we have had to become accustomed to is the most important rule in war - always shoot first."

In a message recorded today (March 25), he said: "We just want to make it clear that despite the great tragedy that the war has brought to our country - we are strong, united and ready to fight for our victory.

He explained they started decided to fight "as soon as [we] woke up to the sounds of air alarm in the morning in the capital".

"We did not consider any other option than to fight together with all the people of Ukraine", he added.

"The future of our children, the future of Ukraine and the whole of Europe is at stake".

Before the war, the group played at numerous international concerts, in the US, Canada and France.

Taras longingly recalled of the past simple joys of "raising children, recording music and playing at stadiums whilst taking part in social and charity events".

But since Russia invaded the nation, Taras confessed "everything is now mixed up".

He said: "The days go by like weeks and you can never know what will happen next.

"One minute we were 30 minutes late to our touring location, during which time a Russian rocket hit a billboard ten meters away.

"A company of soldiers was saved from death by the billboard that found itself on the path of high-precision Russian weapons."

Despite the horrific and "unreal" war-torn conditions the people of Ukraine are now having to adhere to, Taras says they are strong and "adapting everyday".

"Psychologically we are ready for anything - we ready to take the fight and ready to fight", Taras stated.

"We are confident of our victory."

What was life like before the war?

He said life before war is a distant memory but it has made him "begin to appreciate incredibly simple things [...] love of relatives and the smiles of children just happy to be together."

"Right now we are trying to provide ourselves with the means to protect ourselves from the chemical attack that the Russians are most likely preparing for us."

He said he was currently studying toxic substances and types of protection against them.

"Believe me, this is the worst thing I’ve ever done in my life. It’s unbelievable but it now it just happens."

What else do we know about Antytila?

The MTV EMA nominated band also includes keyboardist Serhiy Vusyk, bassist Mykhailo Chirko, guitarist Dmitry Acorn, and drummer Dmitry Vodovozov.

They have only been able to perform their music once since the war broke out - in a hospital to support the "brave doctors in Kyiv".

The band are determined to play remotely in ITV’s Concert For Ukraine, amongst the likes of Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol, to use their music as a tool in order to convey their "necessary message".

He said: "If we are in the concert, through the music we will try to convey the main message that Ukraine did not surrender to the aggressor.

"We are strong. We believe in the victory of Ukraine and everyday we do everything to make sure that victory comes.”

What has Antytila said about the reaction from the UK?

In a direct message to the people of the UK, he said: "We thank the people of UK for their support.

"In our hearts are have same values as other people’s of Europe - when a person is about all, and freedom, dignity, mutual respect, tolerance and love for life.

"We are definitely not going to demand or ask for anything - that is for the politicians.

"We just want to make it clear that despite the great tragedy that the war has brought to our country, we are fighting.

"We are strong, united and ready to fight for our victory".

When is the Concert for Ukraine taking place and who is performing?

The two-hour gig will take place on March 29 and will air on ITV in aid of the attacked nation.

Ed Sheeran is due to perform alongside Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol.

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