EUROVISION champ Oleg Psiuk is celebrating his birthday today after heading back to Ukraine to join the fight against Russian forces.
The frontman of Ukrainian folk rap group Kalush Orchestra has double the reasons to raise a toast after turning 28 following their incredible landslide victory.
But instead of being able to savour their success, the six-piece band has had to head straight back to their war-torn country.
The brave singer previously told how the band were "doing everything possible to help our country".
They were given special permission to leave Ukraine to attend the competition, but were under strict orders to return home by Monday.
Under Ukrainian law, all men aged 18-60 are banned from leaving the country and urged to join the army or support the war effort.
READ MORE EUROVISION STORIES
National hero Sam Ryder praises ‘glorious Ukraine’ for Eurovision success
Which city will host Eurovision 2022?
Rapper Oleg proudly shared messages of support from fans on his Instagram as well as videos of him boarding a plane back home.
He let fans know he had touched down by posting a clip of him at a train station as he heads back into battle.
And ahead of his return to the frontline, the musician penned a poignant post to mark another year around the sun.
Alongside a picture posing with his bandmates in his trademark pink hat while proudly thrusting their Eurovision trophy, he wrote: "Yo, today I turn 28.
Most read in The Sun
'YOU GO GIRL' Gemma Collins stuns in white swimsuit as fiancé Rami tells her 'I love you'
ITV viewers fume over huge blunder in Jubilee Celebration
Cristiano Ronaldo tees up wearing short shorts as Man Utd future rumours continue
BGT's Golden Buzzer duo Flintz & Taylor got microphones by MISTAKE at audition
"Many goals in my life have been reached and many task lists have been completed.
"Born in Kalush, I got lots of typical experience and it was not easy to diversify it.
"Throughout my life I have been changing, my views and priorities have been shifting, but there have always been a few qualities driving me that I would never exchange for anything.
"Hard-working, curious, and avid nature in everything I did. Thank you for always being with me. This is just the beginning…"
Oleg was spotted smooching his girlfriend Oleksandra outside his hotel in Turin, Italy, before jumping in a taxi to the airport.
His Eurovision-winning all-male group has now released a powerful new music video for their victorious track Stefania.
The music video was filmed in the war-ravaged cities of Borodyanka, Irpin, Buch and Hostomel showing the reality of the conflict.
It shows a female soldier carrying children through destroyed cities as rapper Oleh Psiuk performs among destroyed buildings.
The release was reportedly delayed to avoid accusations of politicising the singing competition.
It then shows soldiers reuniting some of the kids with their loved ones while one walks through a graveyard with tombstones.
Read More on The Sun
Gemma Collins stuns in white swimsuit as fiancé Rami tells her ‘I love you’
Pregnant Charlotte Crosby opens up about baby’s name
The final scene shows a little girl staring into the camera while wielding a Molotov cocktail – a homemade explosive synonymous with Ukrainian resistance.
Shortly after being crowned Eurovision 2022 winners, the band took to the stage and screamed "Glory to Ukraine" amid euphoric scenes.
Source: Read Full Article