Ukrainian Artists at War: Service in the Armed Forces and Charity Tours

A roundup of artists who joined the Armed Forces, volunteering, and charity work after 2022.

Ukrainian musicians changed the format of their creative work and public activity after February 24, 2022. Some artists joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while others worked as paramedics, drone operators, or volunteers. Later, some performers gradually returned to music and charity tours.

DeTalks takes a look at how military service affected Ukrainian musicians' careers and which artists have returned to the stage.

Andrii Khlyvniuk

Boombox frontman Andrii Khlyvniuk joined Kyiv's patrol police after the start of the full-scale invasion. The musician later became part of the 'Predator' unit, attached to the 426th Separate Marine Battalion. Today, the artist works as a strike drone pilot and does aerial reconnaissance.

One of the symbols of the war's first months was Andrii's performance of 'Oi u Luzi Chervona Kalyna' on Sofiyska Square in Kyiv. The video quickly spread across social media and became part of an international campaign supporting Ukraine.

After 2022, Boombox held almost no major concerts in Ukraine, but in 2025 the band became a headliner at Atlas Festival. The band also announced its first solo concerts since the start of the full-scale war, scheduled for May 16–17, 2026.

Members of the Band Antytila

Antytila band members joined the territorial defense from the first days of the full-scale invasion. Frontman Taras Topolia, for instance, served as a paramedic in the 130th Territorial Defense Battalion, working in the Kharkiv direction.

After several months of service, the musicians returned to their creative work and focused on charity initiatives. The band released the song 'Fortress Bakhmut,' dedicated to Ukrainian troops and the city's defense.

In 2026, the band held the Ukrainian tour 'Vdoma' ('At Home'), and later announced a new tour, 'Vdoma 2.0.' The band directs part of its concert proceeds to support the military and the Antytila charity foundation.

Oleksandr Polozhynskyi

Former Tartak frontman Oleksandr Polozhynskyi signed a reserve service contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in February 2022. The musician later joined the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade 'Magura,' serving as a squad commander at the front.

After health problems, the musician was transferred to Kyiv. Polozhynskyi then began working as a host on Army FM and promoting military service.

The musician gradually returned to performing as well. Polozhynskyi now plays charity events and joint concerts with other Ukrainian artists. In 2026, he also said he is considering reviving the band Tartak.

Yarmak

Rapper Yarmak joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine on February 26, 2022. He later worked in aerial reconnaissance and FPV drones, and in 2025 became a company commander in the 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment 'Nemesis.' In 2024, Yarmak also received the 'Golden Cross' award from Oleksandr Syrskyi.

After a long break, the artist returned to the stage in the summer of 2025 and performed at Atlas Festival. Before that, he held no public concerts and sang for his fellow soldiers.

Serhiy Zhadan

Writer and musician Serhiy Zhadan joined the 13th National Guard Brigade 'Khartiia' in 2024. Before that, Zhadan had been actively volunteering in Kharkiv and supporting the military.

After joining the brigade, the musician continued performing and doing charity shows. Zhadan's team directs part of the proceeds from concerts, merch, and ticket sales to Khartiia's needs.

Since 2022, Zhadan's writing has featured more texts about the war, military experience, and life in frontline cities.