Military and Artists Join Forces
Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Presidential Office, has announced a collaboration between the Spartan Brigade and the artist known as Drevo. In a post on his Telegram channel, Yermak emphasized the significance of such partnerships for supporting the military, stating they can lead to greater attention, communication, and resources for fulfilling their missions. He expressed confidence that a strong rapport, or 'chemistry,' will quickly develop between the soldiers and the artist, resulting in powerful new stories and projects. This initiative reflects a broader trend in Ukraine of cultural figures actively supporting the nation's defense efforts during the ongoing war.
The Rise of Drevo
The artist Drevo, whose real name is Maksym Derevianchuk, is a 24-year-old from the Rivne region. In 2024, he was a finalist in Ukraine's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. His career accelerated in 2023 when producer Dmytro Shurov took on his promotion. By 2024, Drevo had written the song 'Terpy, Kozak' for boxer Oleksandr Usyk and embarked on his first tour. His track 'Smaragdove Nebo' (Emerald Sky) reached the top of streaming charts on platforms like YouTube Charts, Apple Music, and Spotify. In 2026, he won the YUNA National Music Award for 'Best Song' for this hit.
However, in March 2026, his team discovered a video on TikTok by a Russian artist using an identical musical idea. A Russian label officially released the track, which was a clear plagiarism of Drevo's hit 'Enkarapista.' The song 'Potantsuy so mnoy' by Russian performer R. Riccardo was subsequently blocked on international digital platforms, highlighting ongoing issues of copyright infringement in the industry.
Among Drevo's other well-known songs are:
- 'Lastivka' (Swallow)
- 'Samolit' (Airplane)
- 'Zhyttya Rozpusne' (Dissolute Life)
Collaborations between the military and artists can be a crucial element in boosting morale and supporting the armed forces.
During wartime, such initiatives can not only draw attention to the challenges the nation faces but also help attract new resources for military support. This underscores the role of culture in shaping national identity and fostering societal unity during difficult times.