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
Man wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap and a navy polo shirt with red and white stripes.

50 Cent’s Rapper Friend, Bang Em Smurf, Resides in UK Asylum Hotel Funded by Taxpayers After Escaping Trinidad Gangs

A RAPPER pal of 50 Cent is staying in a taxpayer-funded hotel…
Fatal fall in Washington’s North Cascades kills 3, leaves 1 survivor

Tragic Fall Claims Lives of 3 in North Cascades, 1 Survivor Rescued

Three climbers from Renton, Washington died over the weekend after falling during…
President Biden at a dignified transfer ceremony.

Joe Biden Faces Health Concerns Following Medical Exam, Two Years After Cancer Removal

A MEDICAL evaluation of former President Joe Biden revealed that the politician…
Stephen A. Smith Hits Back at Barkley's Dig At His Presidential Aspirations: ‘I Believe I Could Win’

Stephen A. Smith Responds to Barkley’s Comment on His Presidential Ambitions: ‘I Believe I Could Win’

Barkley’s comments sparked during his feature on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with…
Tory Lanez rushed to hospital after reportedly being stabbed in prison by fellow inmate

Tory Lanez Hospitalized After Alleged Stabbing Incident by Fellow Inmate

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Rapper Tory Lanez has been hospitalized after allegedly…
R&B singer Cassie set to testify in Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial

R&B Star Cassie to Provide Testimony in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Sex Trafficking Case

NEW YORK (AP) — The R&B singer Cassie is expected to possibly…
2 dead after house burns down in New Jersey following 'gigantic explosion,' criminal investigation underway

2 Fatalities in New Jersey House Fire After Massive Explosion Triggers Criminal Probe

A criminal probe is in progress in New Jersey after a man…
Kurdish militant group PKK to disband after four-decade insurgency against Turkey

Kurdish Militant Group PKK to Dissolve After 40 Years of Conflict with Turkey

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) declared on Monday its intention to dissolve…
Investigation reveals Amazon trucking network may have safety lapses

Probe Uncovers Potential Safety Issues in Amazon’s Trucking Operations

Amazon is well-known for its swift delivery services, often promising to…
UK to tighten immigration rules over voter frustration with high immigration numbers: 'Failed experiment'

UK to Reform Immigration Policies in Response to Public Concerns Over High Numbers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is poised to reveal a new initiative…
Exploding birds plague Richmond, California neighborhood as residents plead for Pacific Gas and Electric Company to help

Richmond, California Neighborhood Troubled by Birds Exploding on Power Lines; Locals Urge Pacific Gas and Electric for Assistance

RICHMOND, Calif. — A troubling enigma has emerged in Richmond, California, where…
Putnam County fire claims lives of child, 2 adults

Tragic Fire in Putnam County Results in Deaths of Child and Two Adults

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 1-year-old, a 7-year-old, and…