VIDEO: U2's Bono gives 'freedom' concert in Kyiv metro station

Irish rock star Bono hailed Ukraine's fight for 'freedom' during a performance at a metro station on Sunday in the centre of Kyiv.

The U2 lead man also said his prayer "for peace".

From the platform of a Kyiv metro station, the 61-year-old rock icon sang U2 classics "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Desire" and "With or without you.”

“Ukrainians are not only fighting for your own freedom, you are fighting for all of us who love freedom,” Bono said during a break.

The singer also opened up about past conflicts in the band's native Ireland and the problems he had with a more powerful neighbour.

"We pray that you will enjoy some of that peace soon," said Bono.

Bono, a longtime humanitarian who often lends his voice to various causes, including fighting against poverty and AIDS, came as air raid sirens sounded in the Ukrainian capital and fighting raged in the east of the country.

At one point Bono invited a Ukrainian soldier to sing asking for the world's support for the besieged country as they performed a cover of "Stand by me".

Bono performed alongside U2 guitarist "The Edge" in front of a small crowd of fans, including tireless members of the Ukrainian military.

"It's some good emotions, that's all," said a member of the Ukrainian territorial forces in the audience.
"It's a strange feeling, like being a child going to first grade," said 36-year-old university lecturer, Olesia Bezsmertna, ahead of the show.

Agencies