Zelenskyy Compares Ukraine's Ocean Elzy to Rock Legends Aerosmith

Launch of the 'Thousand Springs' Initiative

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: At the unveiling of the first outcomes from the state-led 'Thousand Springs' program, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared insights into his musical tastes, specifically mentioning the rock band Ocean Elzy and its frontman, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk. Expressing genuine admiration, he remarked:

“I honestly love Ocean Elzy. Just don’t tell Vakarchuk.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

He went further by drawing a parallel between the Ukrainian band and the iconic American group Aerosmith, stating:

“Could Ukraine ever have its own Aerosmith? For me, that’s Ocean Elzy.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The Story of Ocean Elzy

Formed in Lviv on October 12, 1994, Ocean Elzy has become a cornerstone of Ukrainian rock. Since the full-scale Russian invasion began, the band has actively supported Ukrainian troops, with Vakarchuk enlisting in the military. In April 2023, he performed for DTEK energy workers at a destroyed thermal power plant. Last year, the group celebrated its 30th anniversary, marked by the release of the documentary 'Ocean Elzy: Observing the Storm.'

In the summer of 2025, Vakarchuk and other artists were honored with the state award 'National Legend of Ukraine.' President Zelenskyy added: “We have many talented musicians. I mention Vakarchuk because no one will take offense at that.” This underscores the government's effort to highlight cultural legacy and support Ukrainian artists during challenging times.

Zelenskyy’s remarks underscore the role of culture in shaping national identity and unity amid war. Ocean Elzy serves not only as an entertainment powerhouse but also as a patriotic symbol, boosting morale among Ukrainians. Involving cultural figures like Vakarchuk in state initiatives reflects the administration's drive to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture in the face of external threats.

In light of President Zelenskyy's emphasis on the importance of cultural figures like Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, it's noteworthy that despite ongoing challenges, events celebrating Ukrainian culture continue to thrive. For instance, the recent Ukrainian GALA VYTOKY event in Kyiv successfully proceeded, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the nation amidst adversity.