Selling Eurovision Song Contest Trophy, Ukrainian Rap Group Donates IDR 13 Billion To Military Buying UAVs Against Russia

Kalush Ukraine Wikimedia Commons Ukrinform TV

JAKARTA - The Ukrainian rap group, which won the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this month, sold the trophy it won from the contest for $900,000, then donated it to the country's military against Russia.

The group won Eurovision with their song "Stefania", gaining overwhelming public support to claim an emotional victory that was welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

On Sunday, they sold the crystal microphone trophy they got in a Facebook auction led by Ukrainian TV presenter Serhiy Prytula.

The funds raised will be used to purchase a PD-2 unmanned aerial system (UAV) for the armed forces, which includes three aircraft and a ground control station, Prytula said at the auction.

The Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in Italy with the song "Stefania" on 14 May. Sung in Ukrainian, the winning song blends rap with traditional folk music and pays homage to the band's mother vocalist By Psiuk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appreciated this success and offered his congratulations.

"Our courage to impress the world, our music conquered Europe! Next year Ukraine will host the Eurovision song contest," he said in an online message.

"I thank the Kalush Orchestra for this victory and everyone who gave us your voice! I believe the sound of victory in battle with the enemy is not far away," he added.

"Victory is very important for Ukraine, especially this year, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Glory to Ukraine!," Psiuk of the band said at a press conference, speaking through an interpreter.

It is known, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its fourth month, has claimed thousands of civilian lives, made millions of Ukrainians flee and turned the city into rubble.