Ukraine’s Advocate Speaks: A Poetic Reflection on Three Years Since Russia’s Invasion

U2 and Helena Christensen are standing strong behind the people of Ukraine, reaffirming their support three years after Russia’s initial invasion. On Monday, February 24—the same day Russia launched its full-scale military operation in 2022—Bono shared an emotional performance on Instagram.

Bono accompanied his reading of Taras Shevchenko’s “My Friendly Epistle” with piano music. The poem speaks about breaking chains and uniting in love, advising to seek freedom at home rather than abroad: “Break then your chains, in love unite,/nor seek in foreign lands the sight/of things not even found above./Then, in your own house, you will see/true justice, strength and liberty!”

In his caption, Bono expressed that he and The Edge had initially sent this musical tribute to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy shortly after Russia’s invasion. He mentioned there is more they wish to discuss on the subject in the future.

U2 has been a consistent voice of support for Ukraine throughout its conflict with Russia, which began in February 2022 when Vladimir Putin ordered attacks on major Ukrainian cities as part of a “special military operation.” In April that year, Irish rockers performed alongside Celine Dion and Katy Perry at the Stand Up for Ukraine relief show. Later, Bono and Edge traveled to Kyiv to perform Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” in a metro station.

Last year, during one of U2’s shows at Las Vegas’ The Sphere, Bono paid tribute to Alexei Navalny—a Russian opposition leader who died while in prison—emphasizing the importance of freedom for both Ukrainians and his supporters. “For these people, freedom is the most important word in the world,” said Bono. “So important that Ukrainians are fighting and dying for it, and so important that Alexey Navalny chose to give his up.”

As Ukraine enters its fourth year of conflict against Russia, its future remains uncertain. While many Western leaders gathered in Kyiv Monday to observe the anniversary, some voices have sparked concern. President Donald Trump recently called Zelenskyy a “dictator,” while maintaining good relations with Putin and pushing for peace talks.

See U2’s tribute to Ukraine below: