Ed Sheeran has sent his support to a Ukrainian band who reached out to him on social media to ask if they could appear remotely from the frontline in Kyiv during a charity concert he is headlining next week.

The Shape Of You star shared a short video on his Instagram story, telling rock band Antytila: “Hey guys, I just watched your video this morning, thank you so much for sending it.

“Firstly, I just want to say to all Ukrainians that I love you, I stand with you, and I’m so proud to be playing this fundraising event next week. I can’t wait to check your music out too guys and sending lots of love.”

A post shared by Антитіла / Antytila (@antytila_official)

Earlier this week the Ukrainian stars, who have put their music careers to one side to defend their country, sent Sheeran a short video.

In the one-and-a-half minute film, three of the group’s members can be seen dressed in combat gear in front of what appears to be a demolished building in the city.

They said: “In peacetime, our concerts gathered stadiums. The war has changed our lives and now we are fighting with weapons against the Russian occupiers.”

Thanking Sheeran and the British people for their support, the lead singer went on: “Today we learned about your charity concert for Ukraine, which will take place in Birmingham.

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“And we offer to make a live broadcast between Kyiv and Birmingham with Antytila temporary joining the gig remotely.

“Our band will play our music in Kyiv, a city that has not surrendered and will never surrender to the Russian occupiers. You will play in Birmingham.

“We are not afraid to play under the bombs. Through music, we want to show the world that Ukraine is strong and unconquered. We will fight and sing for victory in front of the whole world that supports us.”

It’s unknown whether the band will make a remote appearance on the night, which will also feature in-person performances from Camila Cabello, Emeli Sande and Snow Patrol.

Concert for Ukraine will take place at Birmingham’s NEC on 29 March, with proceeds going to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, which is providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance to refugees in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

Viewers will be able to donate money to the ongoing DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal throughout the evening, and all sponsorship and advertising revenue generated from the broadcast – estimated to be more than £3 million – will also go to the appeal.

Concert For Ukraine will be broadcast live on Tuesday 29 March on ITV and STV, as well as online on ITV Hub and STV Player. Tickets are on sale now.

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