U2's Bono Recites Taras Shevchenko’s Poems in Show of Solidarity With Ukraine

U2’s lead vocalist Bono recited an excerpt from Taras Shevchenko’s poem “To the Dead, the Alive, and the Unborn…” in a performance marking the three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Accompanied by piano, Bono honored the work of the iconic Ukrainian poet, describing Shevchenko as a figure who “defined the concept of 'Ukrainianness.'”

“Everyone who believes in freedom and feels the danger in which we Europeans now find ourselves is not sleeping easily on the third anniversary of the invasion,” Bono remarked.

This performance follows U2’s ongoing support for Ukraine, which includes a 2022 performance in the Kyiv metro. In recognition of their contributions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the band the Orders of Merit.

Earlier, the World Health Organization released its latest health assessment for October 2024, revealing that 68% of Ukrainians report a decline in their overall health since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion.