In this interview, Taras Topolia, the leader of Antytila band, reflects on the diminishing international focus on Ukraine’s ongoing struggle, the crucial role of Western music stars in raising awareness, his unwavering support for Crimea, and how his experiences on the front lines have shaped both his life and creative work.
Iryna Kovalenko (I.K.): Taras, how do you assess the importance of Western singers supporting Ukraine? Is this support active today?
Taras Topolia (T.T.): Objectively speaking, attention to the war in Ukraine, namely the occupation of part of Ukrainian territory by Russian troops, violation of conventions, numerous cases of execution of Ukrainian citizens by Russian soldiers, destruction of civilian infrastructure, hospitals, kindergartens, and inhumane treatment of prisoners of war, has decreased significantly. Unfortunately, the world has got used to it. That is why everyone, who supports Ukraine and helps draw attention to our resistance to a totalitarian regime and, in fact, to the already united totalitarian regimes of Russia, Iran, and North Korea, matters.
Especially when these individuals are global stars with an audience of billions. For example, Ed Sheeran or Bono. This is very valuable. It works in our favour.
I.K.: Taras, last year, you said that you wanted to be involved in the counter-offensive in Crimea. Why Crimea? Do you plan to return to the front as a paramedic in the near future?
T.T.: We follow the instructions and orders of our superiors. After we were withdrawn from the front, we were given specific instructions, and we followed them. For over two years, we have raised almost a million dollars and transferred them to the needs of the Armed Forces. Most of these funds have already been converted into equipment used in sabotage operations by special units of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine in the Crimean direction and, in the future, will be used in offensive operations.
If we receive an order to return to the 130th Battalion and take up the positions of paramedics, we will carry out this order.
Why Crimea? Because I have always supported and cared about the fate of the Crimean Tatar people, who are currently being persecuted and oppressed there, waiting and doing a lot to make the yellow and blue flag fly over Crimea. Every time I mention Crimea, I emphasise that I believe and am confident in its future de-occupation, it is my personal support for all those who are waiting and fighting for the actual return of Crimea to its home, to Ukraine. I am also convinced that a NATO base should appear there.
I.K.: How has your worldview changed since you have been at the front? Did it affect the direction or themes of your work?
T.T.: My worldview has not changed. For us, the war began in 2014, and since then, we have acted and are acting not only as musicians but as citizens of our homeland, with all the duties and responsibilities for its future. That is why we have been singing about the things that hurt us, about the way people live. Sometimes, these songs are sad, sometimes ironic, sometimes cheerful and carefree, but all of them are honest.
I.K.: Your team often collaborates with international partners and artists. What was your most important and useful cooperation experience during these difficult times?
T.T.: Well, everything is evident here – it’s the collaboration with Ed Sheeran and the joint song 2Step, which happened on his initiative. And also we had several performances with great friends of Ukraine, living legends – U2, especially Bono and The Edge, first on the Khreshchatyk metro platform in Ukraine and then at our solo concert in London.
This is an experience that, unfortunately, is caused by the war in Ukraine. But, fortunately, stars of this magnitude stand side by side with the Ukrainian people, and this is significant. And we are very grateful that they did not remain silent and used their talent for the sake of Ukraine.
I.K.: What message or advice would you like to pass on to our readers around the world, those who are helping Ukraine?
T.T.: Keep going! Ukraine will win!
Translated by Iryna Kovalenko
