After returning to Ukrainian soil the winners of Eurovision 2022, Kalush Orchestra, have announced that they will auction off their iconic winner’s microphone trophy to raise money for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and humanitarian efforts.

Through a translator, Kalush Orchestra frontman Oleh Psiuk had this to say in Kyiv:

We are planning to sell the trophy. We want to sell it to raise money for Ukraine. Given that there are many people that can allow themselves to donate large amounts to support Ukraine, this trophy will serve as an additional motivation to donate money for the sake of the country, and its army. This will be the price – take a picture of it. You can acquire this.

Psiuk went on to add:

We plan to put our statuette up for auction and donate all the money to a charity fund that helps the Armed Forces and Ukraine. We are still to select one. See, many people are already donating from abroad, and perhaps many more would like to donate. And this, in our opinion, will be the thing that motivates them. We think it will be beneficial for Ukraine.

While no band member has commented on a specific amount of money or the specific charity, they note that any amount will be beneficial for Ukraine and its war effort against the Russian Federation. Psiuk commented that “Eurovision is a very important thing, especially this year. But the lives of so many people, it’s much more important.” His words resonate at a time when Stefania is being hailed as an inspiration to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians alike.

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