Ukraine’s war: Eurovision trophy sold to buy drones

Kalush Orchestra, the Ukrainian band that won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, sold their trophy for $900,000 (£712,000; €838,000) to raise funds for Ukraine’s war.

The crystal microphone was auctioned off on Facebook in order to fund the purchase of drones for Ukraine’s military.

The auction took place in conjunction with the band’s appearance at a charity concert at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.

Its goal was to raise funds for medical care and supplies.

Speaking at the concert, band member Oleh Psiuk urged people not to become accustomed to the war, which has killed at least 4,031 civilians and injured 4,735 others, according to the UN, as well as an unknown number of combatants.

Since Russia’s invasion on February 24, more than 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes, with towns and cities reduced to rubble.

“I think it should always be on the front pages until peace comes,” said Psiuk, whose Eurovision victory had been widely predicted in the run-up to the competition. Stefania, their song, was written as a tribute to Psiuk’s mother, but emotional lyrics like “I will always walk to you by broken roads” have been re-interpreted as a rallying cry.

Ukrainian TV host Serhiy Prytula announced that the proceeds from the sale of the trophy would be used to purchase three Ukrainian-made PD-2 drones.

Drones are widely used by both Ukrainian and Russian forces.