Kyiv's trumpet-playing busker draws viral outpouring of affection online
A recurring Bluesky post about an elderly street musician in Kyiv becomes a small rallying point of hope and solidarity for Ukraine during the war.
What to know
- A Bluesky post showing an elderly trumpet busker in Kyiv, framed as a recurring symbol of wartime normalcy, drew over 2,300 likes and 74 comments.
- Commenters treat the musician as a known, cherished figure they have followed across multiple prior posts from the same account.
- The thread became a gathering point for expressions of solidarity with Ukraine, personal reflections on the war, and hopes for peace.
The trumpeter embodies Kyiv's and Ukraine's resilience and continuity of daily life amid war.
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“He's a living proof of Ukrainian resilience.”
miesterckx.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
Personal gratitude to the poster (Yaroslava) for her ongoing documentation and updates on him.
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“Thank you so much for this slice of Kyiv life and for letting us know he is still playing so cheerfully.”
carolkubicki.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
The moment prompts broader reflection on the war, hopes for peace, and personal/political sympathy for Ukraine.
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“Long may he continue to play and as soon as possible, in the joy of peace with the Russian war maker gone.”
catsinfrance.bsky.social · Bluesky ↗
strategywoman.bsky.social Bluesky poster documenting Kyiv lifeOld Gentleman with a trumpet Kyiv street musician
How it unfolded 4 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump postscomments
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Thread broadens into reflections on the war and support for Ukraine
Later comments move beyond the musician to express personal shifts in views on the war, hopes for peace, and family ties to Ukraine.
“I have more sympathy and hope for Ukraine than I do for the United States. Slava Ukraine!”
— crash-97007.bsky.social -
Hello Yaroslava from northwest England. Thank you so much for this slice of Kyiv life and for letting us know he is still playing so cheerfully. I love the young boy shyly running up with some coins, that and the music moved my heart today. Golden birds for you ⏬️
2 more of the top 3 · 27 posts in this stretch
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Wonderful Yaroslava! So enjoy hearing and seeing him again. And what a beautiful scene, the wide sidewalk, the intricate pattern, the sky and trees, all the people enjoying a beautiful day. Thanks so much for sharing! Your friend Jim👋😊🫂
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It's lovely, and his continued presence provides a kind of stability. He must be fairly fit; it takes a fair bit of puff to play a trumpet. I wouldn't say he is that old! 😉 ♥️
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Regular followers greet the poster by name, citing past posts
Multiple commenters address the poster as 'Yaroslava' and reference having followed her earlier posts about the same busker, framing him as a known, cherished figure of Kyiv street life.
“Since you first showed him his welfare is immensely important to me, never relenting on bringing joy to those as they make their way by Golden Gate…”
— richarddahlstedt.bsky.social -
It’s so good to see and hear him! He has become a symbol of Kyiv, part of the #warcoffee community 🇺🇦💪 I wish I can see and hear him some day and donate something in his suitcase.
2 more of the top 3 · 12 posts in this stretch
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I love the little boy returning to his mother after donating.
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How wonderful 💙💛 Just so you know, Yara, I always heave a sigh of relief when I see your posts too. Did you see this? I instantly thought of you.
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Commenters flood the post with warmth toward the musician
Dozens of replies within the first hour describe relief and joy at seeing the man again, several noting details from the video such as a boy running up to give him coins.
“I love the little boy returning to his mother after donating.”
— wtpickens.bsky.social -
Long may he continue to play and as soon as possible, in the joy of peace with the Russian war maker gone.
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strategywoman.bsky.social posts video of Kyiv's trumpet busker
The poster shares footage of an elderly street musician she has documented repeatedly throughout the war, describing seeing him as a recurring relief.
“He has been playing through the long years of the war. Every time I see him, it is a relief. He is here, with us, in his Kyiv.”
— strategywoman.bsky.social -
S
He has been playing through the long years of the war. Every time I see him, it is a relief. He is here, with us, in his Kyiv. Old Gentleman with a trumpet.
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What people are saying 16 voices from 1 site · best of 41 · verbatim
- Sep 19
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My family escaped Odessa more than 100 years ago when Tzar Nicholas was the tyrant. I pray for your safety and for my people in Ukraine. All glory to you, my homeland. Be safe Yara. It warms my heart to know he's still in *his* place, soothing the souls of the people in Kiev. 🇺🇦💙💛
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Thank you Yaroslava for sharing. Glad he's okay. This is one of many ways Ukrainians resist that bald bastard, refusing to be cowed, continue to live their lives as normally and to the fullest as possible. Слава Україні 💙💛 Btw, is this near Golden Gate?
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Such an uplifting thing for him to be doing! 🇺🇦🫂🫂🇺🇦
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I know how hard it just be to feel normalcy during these tough times in Ukraine. Sometimes the simple things like hearing live music brings us all comfort. I can't wait to hear him play in a war free Ukraine.
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Kyiv & music. As it should be. Lovely to see this wonderful gentleman again. Thank you for sharing, Yaroslava. 🫂💙💛
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Thank you for sharing news of this Gentleman with a trumpet. He does personify Kyiv with his soft, musical 🎵 but solid presence. Another gentle Ambassador. Viva Ukraine 🇺🇦 !
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Thank you for sharing the incredible beauty and resilience of this old man the Ukrainian people. Your words remind all of us no gesture or act is too small to make a profound difference to someone.
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Indeed. Joining with the exact same wish.
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The yearly Ukrainian street festival is taking place in my neighbourhood this weekend. Several blocks of the main street are closed off. There was a parade this morning, and there are performances, children's rides, displays, and of course lots of good food.
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When the war started, I was skeptical about Ukraine and reluctant about supporting my country's intervention. But I have to tell you all, especially my countrymen and the heros in Ukraine, I have more sympathy and hope for Ukraine than I do for the United States. Slava Ukraine!
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Wonderful to see him in action again 💙💛🎺
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Hi Yaroslava, It’s always wonderful to see the gentleman with the trumpet, he is a real treasure of Kyiv 🎶🎺🇺🇦💕 (Pic from a recent visit to a restaurant in North Yorkshire- a mouse peeking out from the table)
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It's a pleasure to see him looking well and playing well too...I'm sure he must be a cherished member of the local community!
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Evening Yaroslava Knowing the Old Gentleman is still well and holding court brings much happiness Since you first showed him his welfare is immensely important to me, never relenting on bringing joy to those as they make their way by Golden Gate Thank you for again sharing the musical heart of Kyiv
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It’s wonderful to see and hear him playing again! ❤️🎺🎶
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Lovely. It brings a smile to my face. So nice and tuneful👏👏