Slava Vakarchuk

He is the lead singer of Okean Elzy, Ukraine's most successful rock band that is loved beyond its borders. From an undisclosed location in his war-torn country, he spoke with the HFPA's Elisabeth Sereda about the importance of music during desperate times, the international community of artists and why he chose to stay and defend Ukraine.

Only a few years ago, Slava Vakarchuk was touring the world as the famous lead singer of Okean Elzy, the most decorated rock band in Ukraine. Now he’s touring his own country, but this time it’s in his role as a soldier staying behind to support Ukraine troops fighting the Russians.