Members of a Ukrainian band in St. John’s are watching in horror at the events unfolding in the country, but even though they are far away they are finding ways to do their part.

The Kubasonics were recently invited to sing the Ukrainian national anthem at a Newfoundland Growlers game. As well, they recently released a new album and played sold out shows at the Ship Pub.

Bandmember Brian Cherwick says one of the reasons Vladimir Putin gave to justify the invasion is that Ukraine is not really a country and their culture doesn’t really exist. He says they’re out to prove that’s not true.

Cherwick says Ukrainian culture has been around for thousands of years. He says they had some misgivings about performing their recent shows, but if they didn’t perform that’s just another way that Putin would be winning.

He says they do feel slightly helpless being so far away, but playing their music allows them to raise awareness, raise funds, and encourage people to donate to charities helping people affected by the war.