U2 star Bono praised Ukraine’s fight for “freedom” during a surprise performance at a metro station in Kyiv.
The 61-year-old music icon belted out classics including “With or Without You” in front of a crowd of fans on the train platform.
"The people in Ukraine are not just fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom," said Bono during a break.
Bono in Kyiv metro 🇺🇦🤘 #Ukraine #U2 #Bono pic.twitter.com/gxMFnR3tLO
— Kristina Berdynskykh (@berdynskykh_k) May 8, 2022
The singer also referenced the past conflicts in the band’s native Ireland and the troubles it had with a more powerful neighbour.
"We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon," said Bono.
The surprise appearance by Bono - a long time humanitarian who frequently lends his voice to a variety of causes including the fight against poverty and AIDS - came as air raid sirens echoed in the Ukrainian capital and fighting raged in the country’s east.
Kyiv metro. Just the legendary Bono from the band U2 sings with Taras Topola.
— Good morning, Ukraine (@good_ukraine) May 8, 2022
We are unbreakable. We are invincible. The whole world supports us.
Glory to Ukraine! 🇺🇦#Bono #U2 #StandWithUkraine #Artists pic.twitter.com/7QqoQ1jVtr
At one point, Bono invited a Ukrainian soldier to sing along who called on the world’s support for the embattled country as they covered "Stand by me".
Bono performed alongside U2’s guitarist “The Edge” to a small crowd of fans including fatigue-clad members of Ukraine’s armed forces.
"It’s some good emotions, that’s all," said a member of the Ukrainian territorial forces in the audience.
"It’s a strange feeling, like being a child going to first grade," said 36-year-old university lecturer, Olesia Bezsmertna, ahead of the show.
