Ziferblat has officially secured their place as the country’s representatives for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, and they’re ready to share their message with the world. The band’s path to Eurovision has been anything but ordinary—after three attempts, they finally emerged victorious at Vidbir — Ukraine’s national selection earlier this year.

Now, as they prepare to head to Basel, they’re not just carrying the weight of Eurovision expectations but the hopes of an entire nation in the midst of war. We sat down with them to discuss their journey, their song, and what it means to represent Ukraine at such a critical time.

When the band members speak about their journey, it’s clear that representing Ukraine at Eurovision is more than just a dream—it’s a testament to their perseverance.

“It wasn’t our main dream, but it was the second one.”

— Ziferblat

While Eurovision is a massive milestone, the ongoing war and the daily challenges Ukrainians face remain the band’s top priority.

“The biggest dream is for the war to end.”

— Ziferblat

Ziferblat isn’t just another Eurovision participant—they’re the face of a nation at war. As a country with a strong Eurovision track record, Ukraine has consistently sent songs that resonate with both the public and the juries, and the pressure is undoubtedly on.

“Ukrainians are waiting for good results.”

— Ziferblat

Their goal is clear: make it to the final, aim for the top 10, and if they can, maybe even win. However, there’s a deeper purpose behind their performance.

“The main goal is to remind Europeans about our situation, to share our emotions, to remind them of the war.”

— Ziferblat

One of the standout elements of Ziferblat’s Eurovision entry, Bird of Pray, is its unique blend of Ukrainian folk music with funk and alternative rock. This fusion creates a sound unlike anything Ukraine has sent to the competition before, and for the band, it’s a natural expression of their artistic journey.

“It’s a mix of Ukrainian traditional music and modern European styles. It’s very complex, but it’s in our bodies, in our style.”

— Ziferblat

The symbolism of the bird in the song is another defining feature.

“The bird is a symbol of freedom, change, and hope.”

— Ziferblat

The lyrics, which speak of waiting for a bird to visit, represent the longing for peace and the hope that the world won’t forget Ukraine’s struggle. The symbolism is rich and open to interpretation, making it a deeply personal song for both the band and their listeners.

After winning Vidbir, Ziferblat took the time to refine Bird of Pray, releasing a revamped version two weeks ago. With the help of Ukrainian producer Anton Chilibi, they incorporated new elements, including an orchestra and some key adjustments to make the song more accessible to first-time listeners.

“We didn’t change a lot, but we added some details. I love this version much more.”

— Ziferblat

These changes were made with one goal in mind: to present the best version of the song possible for Eurovision. But Ziferblat isn’t just focused on the song—they’re also planning an entirely new stage performance for Basel, one that will transform the grand stage into something closer to a rock concert.

“It will be something much bigger than what we had for the national selection. It’s going to be huge.”

— Ziferblat

It’s impossible to ignore the toll the ongoing war has taken on Ukraine—and on Ziferblat. Preparing for Eurovision in a country at war brings its own set of challenges. While other artists have traveled to Basel to film their postcards, Ziferblat has faced roadblocks in obtaining permission to leave Ukraine.

“We are the only ones who didn’t do this. Being in a country at war, we need permission to go abroad.”

— Ziferblat

Despite the ongoing challenges, the band remains resilient, navigating the complexities of life under war while keeping their eyes on the prize.

Recently, Kyiv faced a particularly harrowing night, with explosions and casualties—a stark reminder of the reality the band lives with.

“It’s been three years of this full-scale invasion. We’re used to it now. It’s part of our daily life.”

— Ziferblat

And yet, despite this heavy reality, the band is determined to share their story with the world and sing for peace, even if it’s with a heart weighed down by pain.

As Ziferblat looks ahead to Eurovision, they are keenly aware of the platform it provides, and the message they want to send.

“The main thing is peace. We need your support, and we are very thankful.”

— Ziferblat

The band expresses deep gratitude for the global Eurovision community and promises to bring their best to the stage, no matter the difficulties.

With the entire nation of Ukraine rooting for them, Ziferblat’s journey to Eurovision is not just about the music—it’s about telling the world that Ukraine’s spirit cannot be broken. And with Bird of Pray, they’re not just singing for a victory at Eurovision—they’re singing for hope, for change, and for peace.

“We will sing with a smile, but with the pain inside.”

— Ziferblat

As they prepare for their performance in Basel, we wish them the best of luck and will be cheering them on every step of the way. We can’t wait to see what they bring to the stage—and what they will remind the world of through their music.

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Let us know in the comments and on our social media profiles @buildingbridgespod what you thought of the interview and how you think Ziferblat will do in Basel!