Ukrainian rock band leader turned front line fighter says he wants to play at charity gig to show that "Ukraine will not surrender to the aggressor"

A Ukrainian rock band frontman fighting on the front who offered to play alongside Ed Sheeran in the UK charity concert has released a moving message to Brits.

Band Antytila want to play at the Concert for Ukraine due to take place in Birmingham next week, via video link from Kyiv.

Their message to Ed Sheeran, offering to play at the gig via video link went viral.

Now lead singer Taras Topolya, 34, has recorded a message thanking Brits for their support, and explaining how he copes with fighting on the front line.

Asked about his most difficult moments he said: "One of the most difficult things that we have had to become accustomed to is the most important rule in war - always shoot first."

The two-hour gig will take place on March 29 and will air on ITV in aid of the attacked nation.

Ed Sheeran is due to perform alongside Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol.

Lead singer Taras Topolya and his bandmates have been fighting for their nation in Kyiv for weeks.

In a message recorded yesterday (25), he said: "We just want to make it clear that despite the great tragedy that the war has brought to our country - we are strong, united and ready to fight for our victory.

He explained they started decided to fight "as soon as [we] woke up to the sounds of air alarm in the morning in the capital".

"We did not consider any other option than to fight together with all the people of Ukraine", he added.

"The future of our children, the future of Ukraine and the whole of Europe is at stake".

Before the war, the group played at numerous international concerts, in the US, Canada and France.

Taras longingly recalled of the past simple joys of "raising children, recording music and playing at stadiums whilst taking part in social and charity events".

But since Russia invaded the nation, Taras confessed "everything is now mixed up".

He said: "The days go by like weeks and you can never know what will happen next."

Despite the horrific and "unreal" war-torn conditions the people of Ukraine are now having to adhere to, Taras says they are strong and "adapting everyday".

The MTV EMA nominated band also includes keyboardist Serhiy Vusyk, bassist Mykhailo Chirko, guitarist Dmitry Acorn, and drummer Dmitry Vodovozov.

They have only been able to perform their music once since the war broke out - in a hospital to support the "brave doctors in Kyiv".

The band are determined to play remotely in ITV's Concert For Ukraine, amongst the likes of Emeli Sande, Gregory Porter and Snow Patrol, to use their music as a tool in order to convey their "necessary message".

He said: "If we are in the concert, through the music we will try to convey the main message that Ukraine did not surrender to the aggressor.

"We are strong. We believe in the victory of Ukraine and everyday we do everything to make sure that victory comes."