Essen (dpa / lnw) – The Ukrainian musician Ruslana, 2004 winner of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), comes to Essen. Under the motto “Stand with Ukraine”, the now 49-year-old will be performing next Tuesday (June 7, from 6:30 p.m.) on Kennedyplatz in downtown Essen. In view of the Russian war in Ukraine, the rally is intended to “set a sign for peace” and give the Ukrainian refugees “a break from what is happening in their homeland”, said Essen Marketing (EMG) on Wednesday.
Everyone is invited to take part in the rally. Admission is free. There will also be an opportunity to donate to Ukraine. In addition to Ruslana, who is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m., the Ukrainian violinist Vasyl Popadiuk and several politicians have announced their attendance.
Among others, NRW State Parliament President André Kuper (CDU), Essen’s Mayor Thomas Kufen (CDU), the Ukrainian Consul General Iryna Schum and Essen’s Mayor Rolf Fliß (Greens) are expected. Fliß is the initiator of the event together with Irina Jastreb, chairwoman of the “Ukrainisches Haus” association. The EMG helps with the organization and implementation. “It is clear to us that we will support the initiators with our expertise and manpower. That is a matter of honour,” said EMG Managing Director Richard Röhrhoff.
