Sting Releases New Version of ‘Russians’ with Profits to Benefit Ukraine Center

Sting is showing his support of the people of Ukraine with the release of a new version of his 1985 song, “Russians.”

The inger/songwriter, musician, activist and humanitarian re-recorded the track with a spare arrangement of guitar and cello, and today fans can pick it up on all digital platforms with net profits to benefit www.helpukraine.center. The organization supports a volunteer storage center established by Ukrainian business owners where humanitarian and medical aid can be sent from all over the world – with funds being processed through the German charity foundation, Ernst Prost, People for Peace – Peace for People.

“I’ve only rarely sung this song in the many years since it was written, because I never thought it would be relevant again,” Sting said in a statement. “But, in the light of one man’s bloody and woefully misguided decision to invade a peaceful, unthreatening neighbor, the song is, once again, a plea for our common humanity. For the brave Ukrainians fighting against this brutal tyranny and also the many Russians who are protesting this outrage despite the threat of arrest and imprisonment – We, all of us, love our children. Stop the war.” 

Cellist Ramiro Belgardt accompanied Sting, who performed on vocals and guitar. The new rendition, “Russians (Guitar/Cello Version),” was produced by Martin Kierszenbaum, engineered by Kaleb Allen, mixed by Robert “Hitmixer” Orton and mastered by Gene Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering.