David Bowie’s iconic anthem “Heroes” inspires fundraising campaign in support of Ukrainian combat medics

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025

Kyiv, Ukraine – Los Angeles, California

The “Unite with Ukraine” initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress, in partnership with the Come Back Alive Foundation and Saint Javelin, has launched “Heroes Ukraine,” a fundraising campaign dedicated to providing critical tactical medical supplies to Ukrainian combat medics.

This initiative is inspired by David Bowie’s iconic anthem, “Heroes,” reimagined by Ukraine’s leading female musical artists to recognize the heroism of Ukrainians at the third anniversary of the russian federation’s continuing full scale invasion of Ukraine.

“The ‘Heroes Ukraine’ campaign underscores our dedication to aiding those on the front lines by supplying crucial medical resources to Ukrainian combat medics. Together, we can save lives and showcase the strength of collective generosity. Inspired by David Bowie’s fearless creativity, we strive to uplift those engaged in this battle between good and evil,” said Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress.

The music video features a star-studded lineup, including Grammy performer Mika Newton, Eurovision artists Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, KLER, KOLA, the world-renowned quartet DakhaBrakha, guitarist Olga Shapovalova and David Bowie’s longtime pianist Mike Garson. The film is directed by Grammy winner Rupert Wainwright for Adore Creative and edited by David Dodson, a respected collaborator of President Zelenskyy.

“I have always admired Ukraine and its people. After traveling widely in the country, I was deeply shocked by the invasion and wanted to honor the bravery of the Ukrainian people. We chose to use David Bowie’s song ‘Heroes’ to support Ukraine’s heroes, as it carries a powerful message of resilience and strength. It took a year to get the rights to the song, which is one of the most popular in pop history. With approval from the David Bowie estate and Warner Chappell Music, we were able to create this video project featuring Ukraine’s top female singers,” said Rupert Wainwright, the video’s director.

Proceeds from the campaign will be used to procure and deliver life-saving tactical medical supplies to Ukrainian combat paramedic teams through the Unite with Ukraine initiative of the Ukrainian World Congress in partnership with the Come Back Alive Foundation and Saint Javelin. 

Since its establishment in 2014, Come Back Alive has raised more than $425 million to procure vital equipment for the military. Meanwhile, Saint Javelin has evolved from a simple sticker campaign into a prominent clothing brand, contributing $2.5 million to military and humanitarian efforts. The Ukrainian World Congress has achieved remarkable success, raising over $60 million in donations from donors across more than 70 countries since February 2022 in support of Ukraine’s defense forces.

“The war tactics or strategy might change over time, but the role of medics does not. They take extreme physical and emotional risk running 12 to 14-hour evacuation operations on ground or on water. We are supplying them with what is needed to function effectively in the chaotic and dangerous conditions of the battlefield, giving them the best chance to save lives and support their units,” said Taras Chmut, Director of Come Back Alive.

The partnership between the UWC, Come Back Alive, and Saint Javelin forms a robust alliance to supply essential equipment to Ukraine’s defenders. Combining their resources ensures that combat medics and military personnel receive vital tactical medical supplies systemically, enhancing the battlefield capabilities of those fighting for freedom.

Friends and supporters of Ukraine are invited to watch the inspiring music video at “HEROES UKRAINE” Music Video Bowie x Ukraine. This video highlights the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people during these unimaginable times. For those looking to make a difference on the battlefield, donations to support the heroic combat medics who are playing a vital role on the front lines can be made at unitewithukraine.com/heroes.

Your generous contributions will provide essential medical supplies to those saving lives on the frontlines.