Topline
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise video appearance at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, and urged viewers to “support us in any way you can” before introducing a performance from John Legend dedicated to the country amid Russia’s invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks on screen during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM … [+]
Key Facts
Zelensky said the “war” is “the opposite of music” and recalled the more than 400 children who have been injured since Russia invaded in February, and the 153 children who have died, saying “we’ll never see them drawing.”
Zelensky said Russia brings “horrible silence with its bombs,” and requested that those “fill the silence with your music” and “tell the truth about this war on your social networks, on TV.”
The president ended on a positive note, saying “peace will come.”
Zelensky filmed the appearance in a bunker in Kyiv in the last 48 hours, according to Variety.
After Zelenksy spoke, Legend performed with Ukrainian singer Mika Newtown and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk, and a call for donations was displayed on-screen and on social media afterwards.
Crucial Quote
“Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals, even to those who can’t hear them, but the music will break through anyway,” Zelenksy said. “We defend our freedom to live, to love, to sound.”
Key Background
It was rumored that Zelensky was going to appear at last week’s Academy Awards, though his Grammys appearance remained largely under wraps. Oscars co-host Amy Schumer said she pitched the idea of Zelensky, who previously worked as an actor, appearing by video at the film awards ceremony. Zelensky’s Grammys message came as over 400 dead civilians were found in the Kyiv region in the last few days. During an interview on CBS’s Face The Nation on Sunday—the same network the Grammys aired on—Zelensky accused the Russian military of committing genocide on his people.
Further Reading
Grammy Awards 2022: Olivia Rodrigo Wins Best New Artist (Forbes)
Over 400 Dead Civilians Found Near Kyiv As Russia Retreats, Ukraine Says (Forbes)
Zelensky Accuses Russia Of Genocide As Allegations Of Civilian Killings Mount (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/04/03/ukrainian-president-zelensky-calls-for-support-and-peace-at-grammy-awards/