Ukrainian heritage spans as far back as the 11th century in Kyiv. Their people have endured centuries of oppression by Russia and Poland, only to become a sovereign nation when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
Since my first experience with Eurovision, I have been enraptured with the music that comes out of Ukraine. Such unique music, topics, and instrumentation that is frequently merging folk traditions and modern popular musical styles. The Ukranian music is extraordinary in so many ways. I love the way that they merge modern and old, respecting their roots and simultaneously paying attention to the world around them. They speak very openly about things they disagree with, while honoring their ancestors and the land they inhabit. This is a culture that has endured many tragedies and yet remains culturally intact. I think that is something to respect and admire. The spirit of the people never dies.
I was quite devastated that they have had to endure an unwelcome war that they never…
