Chicago benefit concert for Ukraine held at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Ukrainian Village neighborhood
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a powerful show of support for Ukraine in the Chicago area this weekend. Crowds packed Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral for a concert.

Now, more than three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, the message in the music was “we haven’t forgotten.”

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

On Palm Sunday, a combination of musicians representing the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra, Ukraine and others played a powerful performance in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village.

The concert came just hours after Russia’s deadly missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy.

“We want people to understand and not to forget that there’s still a full-scale war out there, and we need to provide any help we can to Ukraine,” said Vera Eliashevsky with the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cites International.

RELATED | Over 30 killed, 84 injured in Russian missile attack on Ukrainian city of Sumy, officials say

The concert was hosted by the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in partnership with the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, commemorating Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

“I’ve been to Ukraine five times since the beginning of the war. I’ve seen the devastation of the war on people, particularly the soldiers,” said Dr. Chandra Hassan, UIC associate professor in general surgery. “We need to keep this awareness of people suffering that’s going on for so many years now, and we need to bring an end to these violations of human rights that’s been based upon Ukrainian people.”

The money raised by the concert benefits two group, the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and Revived Soldiers Ukraine, which helps seriously wounded soldiers in their rehabilitation.

“We accept about 45 wounded servicemen a day for rehabilitation,” said Iryna Discipio, founder and president of Revived Soldiers Ukraine. “We try to return as many soldiers to the front line as possible, because we don’t have many specialists left in Ukraine, as you probably imagine in this massacre.”

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, and the country marks 12 years since Russia took Crimea, supporters want people to know there’s work left to be done.

“Every person counts. Every minute counts. Every work counts,” concert attendee Myroslava Andrushkiv said. “Doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s music, is it just, just money, whatever we can do, help each other.”

There were Ukrainian servicemen in attendance at the concert, with some of them receiving treatment in Chicago as they recover from injuries sustained overseas defending their country.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Passenger bomb threat triggers police response and evacuation on Frontier flight under investigation

Bomb Scare on Frontier Airlines Leads to Evacuation and Police Action

On Sunday, a Frontier Airlines flight was diverted to a secluded runway…
NYC graduation rates down by largest year-over-year percentage in 20 years

New York City Experiences Highest Annual Decline in Graduation Rates in Two Decades

New data from the Department of Education indicates that New York City…
Actor James Tolkan of 'Top Gun' and 'Back to the Future' dies at 94

Renowned Actor James Tolkan, Star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Back to the Future,’ Passes Away at 94

Renowned actor James Tolkan, celebrated for his iconic roles as a tough…
Crimson-clad clown flings shredded Quran at NYC mosque, smears feces on building: cops

Outrage in NYC: Crimson-Clad Clown Vandalizes Mosque with Shredded Quran and Feces

A vandal, lacking in fitness and sporting a head-to-toe red outfit, targeted…
San Francisco supervisor delays resignation decision as she navigates personal health crisis

San Francisco Supervisor Postpones Resignation Amid Personal Health Challenge

Jackie Fielder, a prominent progressive figure among San Francisco’s supervisors, has reversed…
Politico yanks antisemitic cartoon of blood-covered Trump and Netanyahu

Politico Removes Controversial Cartoon Featuring Trump and Netanyahu

WASHINGTON — Politico found itself embroiled in controversy after pulling a contentious…
Vacation rental near Yosemite allegedly used to secretly record guests, 4,000 illegal files found

Yosemite Vacation Rental Scandal: Hidden Cameras Discovered with Over 4,000 Secret Recordings

A vacation rental located near Yosemite National Park in California has become…
Benson Boone's 'Wanted Man' tour is heading to Jacksonville

Benson Boone’s ‘Wanted Man’ Tour Set to Electrify Jacksonville: Don’t Miss Out!

Benson Boone is set to dazzle fans at the Vystar Veterans Memorial…
Trans illegal alien dodges prison after pleading guilty to sex crimes against child: report

DHS Challenges Plea Agreement Potentially Releasing Migrant After Guilty Plea in Teen Assault Case

On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strongly criticized a plea…
JFK & RFK 'would be making the same kinds of choices' on Iran, Ukraine as 'empath' Trump: RFK Jr.

RFK Jr. Claims JFK and RFK Would Align with Trump’s Decisions on Iran and Ukraine

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred conversation by suggesting that…
Our Chicago: For more than 50 years, Haymarket Center has helped people struggling with addiction

Chicago’s Haymarket Center: A 50-Year Legacy of Supporting Addiction Recovery

In 1975, Haymarket Center was established in Chicago by Monsignor Ignatius McDermott…
American-born IDF soldier Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz killed in Lebanon

Tragic Loss: American-Born IDF Soldier Moshe Katz Killed in Lebanon Conflict

An Israeli soldier has tragically lost his life during combat operations in…