Ukraine has chosen Ziferblat to represent them at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 after winning Vidbir 2025 with their powerful entry “Bird of Pray”. The alternative rock band secured victory with a total of 19 points, receiving 9 points from the jury and 10 from the televote.
Ziferblat will perform in the first semifinal of Eurovision 2025, aiming to keep Ukraine’s impressive qualification streak alive and bring their unique sound to the grand stage.
Who are Ziferblat? Meet Ukraine’s Eurovision 2025 hopefuls
Ziferblat is an alternative rock band from Kyiv, formed in 2015. The group currently consists of:
- Daniil Leshchynskyi – vocals, keyboard
- Valentin Leshchynskyi – guitar, bass (Daniil’s twin brother)
- Fyodor Khodakov – drums
The Leshchynskyi twins were born on November 15, 1996, while Khodakov was born on February 28, 1998.
The idea to form Ziferblat came from the Leshchynskyi brothers, with Khodakov joining later. Their first EP, “Kinoseans,” was released in December 2017, marking the beginning of their musical journey.
Ziferblat’s musical career and achievements
In 2019, Ziferblat released the single “Vnoči”, gaining national attention with their appearance on Ukraine’s X Factor.
Their breakthrough came in 2022 with “Zemlya”, the first single from their debut album “Peretvorennya”. Inspired by Olha Kobylianska’s 1902 novel Land, the track features a Ukrainian folk choir and explores themes of heritage, family, and the fight for one’s homeland. The music video, filmed in black and white, visually references Ukraine’s landscapes and the biblical story of Cain and Abel, symbolizing sibling conflict over land.
Following this release, fans encouraged Ziferblat to enter Vidbir, Ukraine’s Eurovision selection.
In 2023, they released the second single “Dlja čoho ty pryjšla?” from the album, followed by “Dysko-Fanko Terapiya”in 2024. On April 7, 2023, their debut album “Peretvorennya” was officially launched, with a live concert on April 22. The album includes 13 tracks in Ukrainian, showcasing their diverse musical influences.
Their artistry earned them the Best New Alternative Music Act award at the Muzvar Music Awards 2023, alongside three nominations at the Megogo Music Awards: Alternative Indie Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Album of the Year. In spring 2024, they embarked on their first tour across Ukraine.
Their path to Eurovision: Three attempts at Vidbir
Ziferblat first entered Vidbir’s longlist in 2023, but didn’t advance to the live shows. In 2024, they reached the final with the English-language song “Place I Call Home”, finishing second with 11 jury points and 8 televote points.
Finally, in 2025, Ziferblat triumphed with “Bird of Pray”, securing 9 jury points and 10 televote points to clinch Ukraine’s ticket to Eurovision.
A band focused on visual art and literary inspiration
Ziferblat’s style blends alternative rock with artistic, literary references. Their lyrics often draw from world literature and personal narratives—as seen in “Tvoje im’ja”, inspired by Remedios Moscote from One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez.
Their commitment to visual storytelling is evident in their music videos and album artwork, notably the cover of “Zemlya.”
About “Bird of Pray”: Ukraine’s Eurovision 2025 song
“Bird of Pray” was composed and produced by the band, with additional production by Anton Chilibi, known for working on Ukraine’s Eurovision entries “Stefania” (2022) and “Teresa & Maria” (2024).
Initially written on acoustic guitar, the track fuses Ukrainian musical influences with what they describe as “wasati funk”. The song features Daniil’s emotional vocals alongside a haunting, magical female choir.
The lyrics—sung in both Ukrainian and English—reflect on the struggles faced by Ukrainians amid war, using the metaphor of a bird of prey symbolizing freedom and peace.
“Bird of Pray” Lyrics: Original Ukrainian and English Translation
Looking for the lyrics to “Bird of Pray”? Here’s your complete guide to the song’s original Ukrainian lyrics alongside their English translation so you can sing along during Eurovision!
Below you’ll find a side-by-side lyrics comparison to help you understand the meaning and feel every word.
Ukrainian / English
Зайде-зайдеш і до мене
Моя Пташка
Крилами пісня злітає важка
Серденько серце кохане
Не турбуйся
Доля довірила світ останнім із нас
Я світла шукаю, гори зверну
And I call you
Fly
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Cares
Of
Me and my little bird of pray
Вертай-вертайся додому
Рідна стежка
Спів перелітних пташок народить весну
I call you
Fly
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you just
Care
Of
Me and my little bird
Fly
Like a Bird
Where do you go
I’m begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Flies
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Cares
Of
Me and my little bird of pray
English
You will… you’ll visit me too
My little birdy
A burdened tune takes flight on your wings
Dearest heart, my beloved
Don’t you worry
Fate entrusted the world to the last of us
I seek the light, I’ll move mountains
And I call you
Fly
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Cares
Of
Me and my little bird of pray
Return and lead us back home
The familiar path
The song of migrating birds will awaken the spring
I call you
Fly
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you just
Care
Of
Me and my little bird
Fly
Like a Bird
Where do you go
I’m begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Flies
Bird
I’m begging you
Begging you please just
Live
Share
My heart with someone who
Cares
Of
Me and my little bird of pray
Ukraine at Eurovision: A history of success
Ukraine debuted at Eurovision in 2003 with Oleksandr Ponomariov’s “Hasta La Vista”, placing 14th. Just a year later, Ruslana’s “Wild Dances” brought home Ukraine’s first victory in 2004.
Over the years, Ukraine achieved second place twice with Verka Serduchka’s “Dancing Lasha Tumbai” (2007) and Ani Lorak’s “Shady Lady” (2008). Zlata Ognevich’s “Gravity” secured third place in 2013.
Ukraine has never failed to qualify for the Eurovision final, missing only the 2015 and 2019 contests due to withdrawal. Their second Eurovision win came in 2016 with Jamala’s “1944”.
In recent years, Ukraine maintained its dominance: Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania” won in 2022, while Tvorchi placed 6th in 2023 and alyona alyona & Jerry Heil finished 3rd in 2024.