Ukraine Eurovision act Tvorchi’s Ternopil hometown ‘under fire from Russian missiles during song contest’
The British Ambassador to Ukraine said Ukraine was shelled by Russian missiles on Saturday, when the Eurovision Song Contest was taking place, including the university town of Ukrainian band Tvorchi.
“Meanwhile, this Eurovision night Ukraine will again be attacked by Russian missiles,” tweeted Dame Melinda.
“Remind you that the reason (Ukraine) could not host this event is that (Russia) continues to invade and the people of (Ukraine) are in continued danger.”
Ternopil Mayor Serhii Nadal urged residents to stay in a safe place until the air alert stops.
Ternopil Oblast Governor Volodymyr Trush reported that warehouses belonging to trading companies and a religious organization caught fire. He said two civilians were hospitalized with shrapnel injuries and burns as a result of the attack.
Praising the Ukrainian contestants in the singing competition, Dame Melinda added: “Tvorchi (definitely) wins the graphic arts award. The staging was brilliant.
“And poignant as their university hometown of Ternopil was attacked by (Russian) missiles that night.”
The electronic duo, consisting of producer Andrii Hutsuliak and singer Jeffery Kenny, who grew up in Nigeria, hope to defend the title after the Kalush Orchestra claimed victory last year due to a wave of public support.
Ukrainian contestant Tvorchi entertains the audience (Aaron Chown/PA)
(PA cable)
Inspired by the bravery of the Ukrainian people, their song “Heart Of Steel” caused cheers from the audience at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena after it featured lyrics in both English and Ukrainian.
At the end of their performance, the pair held their fists in the air, while performances from other nations were also seen waving the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine.
Jeffrey Kenny and Andrii Hutsuliak, members of the Tvorchi duo, pose for a portrait at the Central Ukrainian Railway Station on April 28, 2023 in Kiev, Ukraine
(GettyImages)
Bookmakers have predicted Tvorchi will do well with voters but they face stiff competition from absolute favorites Sweden and Finland.
This year’s competition marks the first time in 25 years that the UK has hosted a final. It was decided Liverpool would host after Ukraine, the 2022 winners, said it was not possible due to the ongoing invasion of Russia.
