Royal Marines bring bagpipes, Beatles and British sea shanties to wounded troops in Kyiv
Royal Marines musicians have joined the Ukrainian Army Band in Kyiv for a series of performances which included a rendition of The Beatles' Hey Jude for troops recovering in hospital.
Eight members of the Plymouth Band travelled to the Ukrainian capital with their instruments, performing at venues including a metro station, a public building used as an air-raid shelter and Mykhailivska Square.
The musicians played sea shanties, naval favourites, Bond themes and traditional Ukrainian songs, alongside the national anthems of the UK and Ukraine.
At Mykhailivska Square, where wrecked Russian military equipment is displayed, the Royal Marines played to passers-by despite heavy rain.
The group also performed a bagpipe tune on a metro station escalator before joining the Ukrainian Army Band for performances across the city.
The visit included a performance at an undisclosed hospital, where the two bands combined for Hey Jude.
Medic Oleksandr Yarosh said the appearance showed patients and staff "that we are not alone in our struggle".
The UK Defence Attaché to Kyiv, Commodore David Teasdale, was among those who watched the performances.
He said the visit was a "manifestation of admiration for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people".
Cdre Teasdale praised the joint programme, which brought together British sea shanties, the two national anthems and music by The Beatles.
"Both bands blended together harmoniously," he said.
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