Ukrainian electro-folk duo ONUKA has been capturing audiences across Europe with their unique sound, performing in concert halls and headlining major festivals throughout last summer. However, in light of a recent wartime directive, the band has found it necessary to remain within the borders of their home country. They have adapted their touring approach, now traveling by trains and buses to perform in underground shelters and venues located near metro stations, ensuring that their music continues despite the ever-present threat of Russian missile attacks.
“These shelters can accommodate up to 1,000 people. It’s a big concrete room with some seats,” explains Eugene Filatov, 41, the producer of ONUKA, who performs alongside his wife, frontwoman Nata Zhyzhchenko, 39, and five talented bandmates. “Even in these challenging times, people still crave a vibrant cultural life.” The band’s commitment to delivering live performances showcases their resilience and dedication to their fans, providing a sense of normalcy and hope amidst the turmoil.
Recently, the group has had to scale back its ambitious touring plans for 2025 following an announcement from Ukraine’s culture ministry in late February. As of March 3, male Ukrainian journalists and culture professionals of draft age will no longer be eligible for recommendation letters required for international travel. Consequently, ONUKA is focusing on performances closer to their home base in Kyiv while simultaneously preparing for the release of their much-anticipated album, Ukrainian Constructivism, set to debut next month. This shift allows them to spend more quality time with their children, 4-year-old Alex and 1-year-old Lina, during these uncertain times.
Through a Telegram call from Kyiv, just three days after the unsettling Oval Office press conference featuring U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Filatov and Zhyzhchenko reflected on the lasting effects of Russia’s invasion on their family life and musical endeavors. (Filatov, who holds an “education sector” deferment from military enlistment due to his role as a lecturer at Ukraine’s Chernihiv Music College, also responded to follow-up email inquiries.) Their insights reveal the profound impact of ongoing conflict on personal and artistic expression.
When we last spoke in 2023, ONUKA was actively touring the globe. Nata mentioned, “When you are outside, especially when your child or parents or family is here, it’s very hard to accept.” How is your family faring? Is everyone safe?
Zhyzhchenko: Our children are safe and doing well. The first night after Lina was born, we were in the maternity hospital, and that was one of the most terrifying nights for us. I think of her as a “war kid.” She entered our family while our country is in a state of conflict, in a city experiencing turmoil, during the night. It is a poignant reminder of how the current situation is shaping the next generation.
“War kid.”
Zhyzhchenko: This generation of children are truly “war kids.” They possess a different mentality shaped by their experiences, and this reality defines their lives and routines. We must avoid comparing our childhoods with theirs, as they are navigating a world shaped by war and conflict, which is a completely different experience from what we knew. Understanding their perspective is crucial for empathy and support as they grow.
In previous conversations, you’ve mentioned that Russian missiles have disrupted your lives. Are explosions still a common occurrence in Kyiv?
Zhyzhchenko: Yes, the explosions are still ongoing. We’ve encountered a new type of threat, which we refer to as “flying scooters.” These are the drone-like devices that have become increasingly prevalent.
Filatov: Yes, they resemble large drones. Every night, we hear several of them buzzing around. The sounds have become a regular part of our lives, as unsettling as that may be.
Zhyzhchenko: The sound is similar to a scooter, and at night, it becomes quite pronounced. This allows us to identify them from several kilometers away. As we lie in bed, the noise morphs into a loud scooter-like sound amidst the sirens of the night, creating an atmosphere of unease.
Filatov: We are incredibly grateful to the American people for their unwavering support of Ukraine. This assistance brings us a sense of safety, as the American defense systems are substantial and genuinely beneficial. They play a crucial role in protecting our lives. Unfortunately, explosions occur almost daily in various cities across Ukraine.
Zhyzhchenko: The attacks show no signs of stopping.
Filatov: It feels like a lottery each day.
Zhyzhchenko: Just a few weeks ago, a piece of drone debris fell near our home, damaging the post office. This is the post office —
Filatov: — where we pick up our packages almost daily.
Zhyzhchenko: In fact, we visit several times a day. It’s located less than a kilometer from us. We’ve come to accept this as our reality.
Filatov: Life continues, despite everything.
How do you manage to perform under these challenging conditions?
Filatov: Performing in shelters has become a relatively recent practice among Ukrainian artists. In Kharkiv, for example, all cultural events are exclusively held in venues equipped with shelters — no theaters or concert halls operate unless they can guarantee a safe environment for attendees.
Zhyzhchenko: Every performance occurs under the constant threat of rockets. We have to acknowledge that reality.
What’s the atmosphere like during shelter performances?
Zhyzhchenko: It’s a comforting experience, knowing that your performance won’t be interrupted unless there’s an urgent need to evacuate people in response to a siren. In a shelter, the focus remains on the performance, creating a sense of comfort and confidence. This unique environment fosters a deeper connection between the performers and the audience.
How do you travel to your performances?
Filatov: We typically travel as a complete team, either by train or by bus. Sometimes trains offer the fastest route, especially when border queues are lengthy, but road travel provides us with greater flexibility. We rely on luck for a smooth journey. Occasionally, our travels turn into quite an adventure — like during the summer of 2024, when we managed to travel non-stop for two days from a festival in Poland to make it back in time for Atlas Weekend in Kyiv.
Who looks after your children when you perform outside of Kyiv?
Filatov: We have an established support network that includes nannies, grandparents, and kindergarten staff. Their involvement varies based on circumstances, ensuring that our children are well cared for while we perform.
Do your children get a chance to see your performances? What are their thoughts about it?
Filatov: They are still quite young. Our little girl doesn’t fully grasp what’s happening right now. However, our son, Alex, has noticed that in kindergarten, some of the games they play reference weapons, missiles, or drones, which is quite disheartening.
Zhyzhchenko: At kindergarten, they often go to a shelter, which has become somewhat of a ritual for them. They refer to it as “the cave.” Alex shares, “We were in the cave today, and we drew in there,” or they sing songs while in this cave. It’s not terrifying for him because it’s a part of his reality. There’s no panic because we have adapted to the situation, and the key to coping lies in the behavior of adults around them.
How is the rest of your family — parents, grandparents, siblings — coping?
Zhyzhchenko: Everyone is safe and actively engaged with the nation’s efforts and charitable causes, volunteering their time. However, within our musical team, some members are serving on the front lines. Everyone has relatives or friends who have lost their lives, and these losses are hitting closer to home.
Who are you referring to when you mention “inside our musical team”?
Zhyzhchenko: Our graphic designer was deployed to the front line, and we have not received any updates about his status. It’s a painful reality to understand that things may not be alright. We find ourselves constantly checking the last time he was online, only to see that date remain unchanged. It’s challenging to come to terms with the possibility that he could be captured or in a hospital. Unfortunately, the reality is likely much grimmer. We are attempting to work with his unit to gather more information about his situation.
What were your thoughts on the press conference held on February 28 with President Zelensky and President Trump?
Zhyzhchenko: The public is understandably upset about the ongoing situation. However, I believe that this turmoil is temporary. The circumstances change rapidly, resembling a roller coaster ride. Some days we are allies, while others we find ourselves in conflict. The chaos is unsettling.
I genuinely hope that people globally recognize that Russia has invaded Ukraine, making us the victims of aggression, and we are standing firm. We are defending all of Europe because if Ukraine were to fall, the consequences would be dire and far-reaching. I have faith that we will endure and emerge victorious from this struggle.
If I wished to leave, I would. But I choose to stay in Ukraine with my young children. I sincerely believe in the unpredictability and resilience of life during these challenging times.
