The home of Khrystyna Starykova, a 19-year-old vocalist with the Ukrainian Eurovision entry Ziferblat, has been destroyed by Russian shelling in Myrnograd. While currently in Switzerland rehearsing for the contest, Starykova shared images of her devastated apartment building on social media, showing significant damage from the attack.

Despite the devastation, Starykova confirmed that her loved ones are safe. In a poignant caption accompanying the photos, she expressed her longing to return home, vowing to perform at Eurovision “for the sake of our country” and to demonstrate the strength of the Ukrainian people.

In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Starykova revealed that the destruction of her home was, sadly, anticipated. She recounted the previous losses of her grandmother’s and aunt’s homes to similar attacks, tragically foreshadowing her own situation. Her home lies less than five miles from the frontline near Pokrovsk, a key battleground in eastern Ukraine.

Further footage of the bomb-damaged streets of Myrnograd was shared on her Instagram, highlighting the personal impact of the conflict. Ziferblat’s Eurovision entry, “Bird of Pray,” reflects the suffering experienced by Ukrainians separated from loved ones by the war, with vocalist Valentyn Leshchynskyi describing the song’s relevance to the past decade of conflict. Starykova, known as the band’s “bird girl” for her soaring vocals, previously competed in Ukraine’s version of “The Voice,” reaching the final.

A native of Donetsk, Starykova spent her childhood in Myrnograd, experiencing firsthand the intense fighting between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces. She relocated to Kyiv after the 2015 shelling, but always hoped to return home. In a subsequent interview, she underscored the importance of her Eurovision performance as a symbol of resilience and hope, emphasizing the band’s message of perseverance despite adversity.

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Ukrainian Eurovision contestant Khrystyna Starykova’s home in Myrnograd has been destroyed by Russian shelling. The 19-year-old, currently in Switzerland rehearsing with the band Ziferblat, shared images of her severely damaged apartment building on social media.

The photos depict the building engulfed in smoke, windows blown out, and balconies collapsed. “Home. And I dreamed so much of returning home,” she captioned the post, adding that thankfully, her relatives and friends are safe. She vowed to perform at Eurovision next week “for the sake of our country,” aiming to “show what a strong people we are.”

In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Starykova revealed she had foreseen this possibility. She noted her grandmother and aunt had previously lost their homes to similar attacks. “I understood that maybe I could be the next one, and unfortunately, it happened,” she stated.

Starykova’s home is situated less than five miles from the frontline near Pokrovsk, a key battleground in eastern Ukraine. A subsequent Instagram post displayed further damage to Myrnograd’s streets, a route she described as her favorite way home.

Ziferblat, representing Ukraine with the song “Bird of Pray,” a poignant reflection on the war’s impact on families, will perform at Eurovision. As vocalist Valentyn Leshchynskyi explained to Eurovision fansite Wiwibloggs, the song addresses the ongoing struggles faced by Ukrainians.

Starykova, a backing vocalist nicknamed “bird girl” for her high notes, previously competed in Ukraine’s “The Voice,” reaching the final. Born in Donetsk, she spent her childhood in Myrnograd, experiencing firsthand the intense battles of 2015. Recalling the heavy shelling in an interview with The Eastern Variant, she described the fear and the family’s subsequent relocation to Kyiv.

Despite the devastation, Starykova remains resolute. In a televised interview, she emphasized the importance of her Eurovision performance as a symbol of resilience, conveying a message of hope and survival: “Despite our troubles, we will survive. I’m holding on for us.”

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