By  
on  

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky appears in taped video at Grammys 2022, says 'Our musicians wear body armour instead of tuxedos'

Amid Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise appearance during the 64th annual Grammy Awards. In his pre-taped speech, he urged support for his country and asked top artists to "fill the silence" brought by war with music. 

In his speech, Zelensky said, "The war. What is more opposite of music? The silence of ruined cities and killed people." He added, "Our children draw swooping rockets, not shooting stars. Over 400 children have been injured and 153 children died, and we will never see them drawing. Our parents are happy to wake up in the morning in bomb shelters, but alive." 

Recommended Read: Omicron shadow over Grammys 2022, show postponed with no new date confirmations!

Zelensky shot his speech in a bunker in Kyiv. The video also introduced John Legend's performance. The Ukrainian President told in his video, "Our loved ones don't know if we will be together again. The war doesn't let us choose who survives and who stays in eternal silence." He further shared, "Our musicians wear body armour 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. We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound. On our land, we are fighting Russia which brings horrible silence with its bombs. Fill the silence with your music. Fill it today. Tell our story. Tell the truth about the war on your social networks and TV. But not silence."

There were rumours that Zelensky would make an appearance during Oscars 2022 which took place last week. However, despite much speculation, he did not appear. 

(Source: Grammys 2022)

Recommended