Chicago benefit concert for Ukraine held at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Ukrainian Village neighborhood
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a powerful show of support for Ukraine in the Chicago area this weekend. Crowds packed Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral for a concert.

Now, more than three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, the message in the music was “we haven’t forgotten.”

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

On Palm Sunday, a combination of musicians representing the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra, Ukraine and others played a powerful performance in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village.

The concert came just hours after Russia’s deadly missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy.

“We want people to understand and not to forget that there’s still a full-scale war out there, and we need to provide any help we can to Ukraine,” said Vera Eliashevsky with the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cites International.

The concert was hosted by the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in partnership with the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, commemorating Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

“I’ve been to Ukraine five times since the beginning of the war. I’ve seen the devastation of the war on people, particularly the soldiers,” said Dr. Chandra Hassan, UIC associate professor in general surgery. “We need to keep this awareness of people suffering that’s going on for so many years now, and we need to bring an end to these violations of human rights that’s been based upon Ukrainian people.”

The money raised by the concert benefits two group, the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America and Revived Soldiers Ukraine, which helps seriously wounded soldiers in their rehabilitation.

“We accept about 45 wounded servicemen a day for rehabilitation,” said Iryna Discipio, founder and president of Revived Soldiers Ukraine. “We try to return as many soldiers to the front line as possible, because we don’t have many specialists left in Ukraine, as you probably imagine in this massacre.”

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, and the country marks 12 years since Russia took Crimea, supporters want people to know there’s work left to be done.

“Every person counts. Every minute counts. Every work counts,” concert attendee Myroslava Andrushkiv said. “Doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s music, is it just, just money, whatever we can do, help each other.”

There were Ukrainian servicemen in attendance at the concert, with some of them receiving treatment in Chicago as they recover from injuries sustained overseas defending their country.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Three men arrested after string of vehicle burglaries in Jacksonville Beach

Trio Nabbed in Connection with Jacksonville Beach Car Break-Ins

In a recent wave of vehicle burglaries, Jacksonville Beach police apprehended three…
Ohio dentist double murder: Fmr police chief reveals ‘multitude’ of reasons ex-husband allegedly killed couple

Ohio Dentist Double Murder: Unveiling the Shocking Motives Behind Ex-Husband’s Alleged Crime

A former law enforcement leader has shed light on the possible motivations…
Supreme Court takes up culture war battle over transgender athletes in school sports

Supreme Court to Decide on Inclusion of Transgender Athletes in School Sports

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Tuesday regarding state-imposed…
Woman seen on video allegedly blocking Minnesota ICE operation with car as agitators surround agents

Minnesota Incident: Video Captures Woman Allegedly Obstructing ICE Operation with Vehicle Amidst Protesters

In the wake of the tragic shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good…
Mansion worth $1m is completely destroyed by fire

Devastating Blaze Reduces $1 Million Mansion to Ashes: A Tragic Tale of Luxury Lost

A grand residence in Maryland was reduced to ashes overnight, with investigators…
Philadelphia shooting: Khyon Smith-Tate, 16, found shot to death in Chipotle bathroom near Temple University

Philadelphia Incident: 16-Year-Old Khyon Smith-Tate Discovered Fatally Shot in Chipotle Restroom Near Temple University

In a tragic incident near Temple University, Philadelphia, a teenager was found…
College basketball player gunned down on Nashville freeway, police hunting for suspects

Tragic Loss: Nashville Authorities Search for Suspects in Fatal Shooting of College Basketball Star

A tragic incident unfolded on a Nashville freeway as a Tennessee college…
Linda Brown, Chicago teacher found dead in Lake Michigan at 31st Street Harbor, died by suicide, drowning: medical examiner

Tragic Loss: Chicago Teacher Linda Brown’s Passing at 31st Street Harbor Ruled Suicide by Drowning

CHICAGO — The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that…