Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, leader of the Okean Elzy group, performed the anthem of Ukraine at the awards ceremony for defenders, volunteers and relatives of the fallen soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the anniversary of the start of a full-scale war. Today, February 24, a year after the start of a terrible tragedy for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded volunteers and soldiers who, at the cost of their own lives, bring our victory closer. Vakarchuk opened the solemn event with a powerful performance of the anthem. On his Facebook, the musician wrote that it was the highest honor for him.. The singer also added that the time of memories of the war will come, but for now we need to continue to fight the enemy.

" There will be many memories of this difficult year. There are things that you remember constantly, there are things that you would never remember again.. But I believe that the time of memories will come. And today it is important to concentrate on actions leading to victory.!

For me, the highest honor today is to be next to the soldiers who protect us and start this day with the anthem of our state during the awarding by the President of our defenders, relatives of fallen soldiers, volunteers. Glory to Ukraine," After the ceremony, the musician had the opportunity to personally communicate with our defenders and take some general photos as a keepsake. The video from the ceremony was published on the official Facebook page of the President's office..

On the anniversary of the start of a full-scale war, Ukrainian stars shared their memories of February 24, 2022 and told how they felt on that terrible day.