Imagine Dragons, the legendary American pop-rock group, undertake to work with the Ukrainian United24 fundraising platform, UWC’s partner in the Army of Drones project, to raise awareness and funds for Ukraine until the russian aggression is over.
On July 23, the musicians discussed the format of their cooperation with the platform in an online call with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. “In 2018, you visited our country for the first time. In 2022, you continue to do your best to make Ukraine’s voice heard all over the world. Thank you for this!” said the president
As United24 ambassadors, the winners of numerous international awards, including, most recently, the Swiss Music Awards’ 2018, 2019, and 2022 Best International Group, the band will promote one of the platform’s line of activities.
“We love Ukrainians and want to help them in every possible way. Such an injustice [the russian aggression] can be overcome only together, by the whole united world,” ID frontman Dan Reynolds said during the conversation with the Ukrainian president. He said the band will work with Unite24 and local leaders, looking for opportunities to raise the level of awareness about the war in Ukraine and increase the inflow of donations for the Ukrainian people as long as the war lasts. “We look forward to the day when we can play a concert in Kyiv again and celebrate freedom, life, and music with the resilient and strong people of Ukraine,” Dan Reynolds also said.
Imagine Dragons sided with Ukraine from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, launched by the kremlin on Feb. 24. As soon as March 1, the band called off its concerts not only in Ukraine, clearly for security reasons, but also in russia. “In light of recent events, we’re sad to announce our russia and Ukraine shows are canceled until further notice. Our thoughts are with Ukraine and all others suffering from this needless war,” the band posted on Instagram, along with a picture of the Ukrainian flag.
Since then, they have been consistently demonstrating their solidarity with Ukraine in public statements and by raising the Ukrainian flag during their concerts.
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No, I won’t be afraid, oh, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Sources: President of Ukraine’s official website; REPUBLICWORLD.COM; The National
“Stand By Me” is a song by Benjamin King, Jerome Leiber, and Michael Stoller first recorded in 1960. Imagine Dragons are considered to be among the best performers of the song.
