Article written by Volodymyr Tsvyk
Every year, Eurovision becomes more than just a song contest – it becomes a stage where countries share their stories. This year, Ziferblat shares the Ukrainian story with their “Bird of Pray”. Not just by providing a powerful melody, but also by bringing a mission with them to clear landmines to reclaim the future of thousands of Ukrainians who were forced to move as a result of ongoing war.
With their voices reaching millions, Ziferblat has launched a humanitarian fundraiser to clear landmines from war-affected Ukrainian territories. With this, the band collaborates with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation and Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne.
Although the fundraiser initially started on the International Day of Mine Awareness – 4 April – the band is bringing their cause to Eurovision too.
Ziferblat hope to raise UAH 4 million (or roughly €93,000) to bring safety back to Ukraine’s most dangerous lands. With this money, they can purchase four “ZMII” robotic demining systems.
The ZMII machines are Ukrainian-engineered, NATO-certified systems that are both cost-efficient and highly effective. Unlike many foreign machines, they are built to preserve the fertile black soil Ukraine is known for – a lifeline for the country’s agricultural future.
Each unit costs UAH 1 million – 40 to 80% cheaper than alternatives – and can be deployed in just two minutes by a team of two. Whether it’s sand, rubble, swamp, or trenches, the ZMII pushes through, clearing explosives while preserving life.
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Ziferblat start fundraiser in collaboration with the Prytula Foundation
Back on Thursday, when the Ukrainian delegation left Kyiv by train due to the closed airspace in Ukraine as a result of the war, Ziferblat reminded the press one last time of their goals during a press conference. Speaking from the Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi railway station, the bands lead singer, Daniel Leshchynskyi, said:
“Besides the final result that we will receive on the scoreboard, there’s something more. For what we gathered here, we are going with a message, a mission. A mission to raise funds from Europeans. It’s important to underline, especially from Europeans. The goal of this fundraiser is the humanitarian demining of Ukraine.”
“Today, Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world. Of the 174,000 square kilometres affected by fighting, 138,500 still require clearance. That’s a staggering challenge. And we want to use the voice we have – a voice that will echo across Europe – to help speed up the process of reclaiming our land.”
A territory of 138,500 square kilometres of mined lands three times the size of Eurovision 2025 host country Switzerland.
At Eurovision, Ziferblat collaborates with several top tier Ukrainian designers and directors who hope to raise the country’s “Bird of Pray” to the highest level possible.
This includes costumes by Ivan Frolov – an internationally renowned Ukrainian designer behind looks for Beyoncé, Sam Smith, Sabrina Carpenter, as well as Jamala and TVORCHI – who pitched his work to Ziferblat. Maria Korostelova, who is a newcomer to Eurovision but has worked for Ukrainian artists, directs the stage show.
Given recent footage and pictures, Ziferblat’s performance in Basel promises to be as striking visually as it is emotionally. But the band’s mission goes beyond the contest arena.
Ziferblat’s fundraiser is live via the Prytula Foundation, and there are multiple ways to donate – from QR codes at concerts to direct links online. Supporters can contribute via the foundation’s project page, and every euro counts.
God bless them, may they be successful and may their efforts prove fruitful.
such a good initiative!!