Trumpet Plays Ukrainian National Anthem On Streets Of Sumy As Fighting Continues

Footage shows a trumpet playing the Ukrainian national anthem in a moment of peace after ‘two days of heavy fighting’, with reports saying the clip was filmed on the streets of Sumy, north-eastern Ukraine. 

According to Eastern European media outlet NEXTA TV, the footage came after a period of ‘heavy’ combat in Sumy, which was approached by Russian forces from the east earlier this week. 

Olexander Scherba, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Austria, also shared the video - although mistakenly said the clip had been filmed on the outskirts of Kyiv as locals waited for ‘invaders’, which is believed to not have been the case.

“All of a sudden, someone plays Ukrainian anthem on a trumpet,” Scherba wrote. 

“And from everywhere: “Glory to Ukraine!” #StandWithUkriane.” 

The footage was also posted on Reddit, where users described the moment as ‘touching’ and ‘beautiful’. 

One person commented: “This is hauntingly beautiful.” 

Someone else said: “I have never heard the Ukrainian national anthem before, but this brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful song. Love to Ukraine.” 

A third wrote: “This is so touching.” 

A fourth added: “Beauty in the midst of adversity!” 

A report from the BBC yesterday (25 February) said there had been ‘fierce’ fighting around Sumy. 

Reuters has also said the city’s municipal administration confirmed fighting was under way on its streets, urging residents to stay home. 

Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Lyashko said today (26 February) that 198 people have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded in the Russian offensive. 

Lyashko confirmed there were three children among those killed. His statement was unclear whether the casualties included military and civilians. 

He said another 1,115 people, including 33 children, were wounded in the Russian invasion. 

As translated by the BBC, he said: “Lately there has been a lot of fake information online that I call on our army to lay down arms and to evacuate. 

“Listen. I am here. We will not lay down our weapons. We will defend our state, because our weapon is our truth. And the truth is that this is our land, our country, our children. And we will defend all of that. 

“That’s all that I wanted to tell you. Glory to Ukraine.” 

Earlier this morning, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video filmed in selfie mode as he walked around the streets of Kyiv, denying ‘fake’ claims that he had called for a surrender. 

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