Ukrainian-American singer, songwriter, and actress Kat Moran releases a powerful tribute to her homeland with Fight for Ukraina, a song that quickly garnered over 1 millions views and has been embraced by activists and international organizations. Born in Kyiv, Kat wrote the anthem amid the pain and uncertainty of the war, blending traditional folk and modern pop in a production by Donnie Klang. With a visceral music video directed by Kent Moran, the artist transforms her personal story into a global call for the freedom and resilience of Ukraine.
Your song “Fight for Ukraina” has become a cry of resistance and hope for many. When you started composing this song, what inspired you the most to write and rewrite the lyrics, especially with the contribution of your family in Ukraine?
Thank you so much! While I was writing it, I kept feeling like it wasn’t good enough and needed to be better. This wasn’t just another song, I usually write much faster, but this song was different. I had to tap into my own pain while also figuring out how to convey the message in a meaningful way.
We know that the war has deeply affected your family and you personally. What was it like to live through this chaos from a distance, knowing that your loved ones were on the front lines, and how did this experience influence your art and work as a singer and songwriter?
It was absolutely terrifying, especially during the first few months of the war when my entire family was still in Ukraine. Every day, I anxiously waited for a call or even just a text to know they were okay. I felt completely helpless but deeply driven to support my country and my people however I could. That’s when my husband and I began collecting urgent medical supplies, clothing, and food. With the help of amazing volunteers, we packed everything in our garage and shipped it to Poland, where it was distributed to key regions in Ukraine. And still, it never felt like I was doing enough. That’s when I hit a creative block and couldn’t write anything for a long time.
“Fight for Ukraina” blends Ukrainian folk with modern pop, creating a unique and powerful sound. How did you find this fusion between your cultural roots and contemporary music?
I listened to a lot of Ukrainian folk music, some amazing Ukrainian Eurovision hits, and a mix of American and European artists who had a similar vibe to what I was aiming for. One time, I was at a coffee shop and heard a song called “The Seed” by Aurora – it captured the exact energy I was looking for. I literally ran up to the barista to ask what it was! So honestly, the inspiration came from a mix of influences. And of course, our incredible music producer Donnie Klang did an amazing job bringing that vision to life.
The music video, directed by your husband Kent Moran, is visceral and full of symbolism, especially in the scene with the vyshyvanka, a traditional Ukrainian garment. What is the meaning of this symbolism to you, and how does it connect your personal story to Ukraine’s struggle?
This particular vyshyvanka means so much to me – it’s the one I used to perform in as a child back in Ukraine. I was nervous about wearing it for the video because it’s old and very small, and I was worried it wouldn’t look good on camera. I had actually ordered a brand new vyshyvanka for the shoot, but it got lost in the mail and didn’t arrive in time. So I ended up wearing the original one, and I’m so glad I did. The little girl in the video, Diana Andreieva, also wore the same vyshyvanka, symbolizing both my peaceful childhood in Ukraine and all the children affected by this devastating war.
Amid the chaos of war, you used music as a form of resistance and unity. What were the biggest challenges you faced in trying to convey this message through music, and how was the reaction from the people who heard “Fight for Ukraina”?
Writing this song was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve carried so much pain for my country since the war began, and I tried to write about it many times but couldn’t. Then one day, I sat at the piano and started singing and that’s when this song finally came to life. I kept writing and rewriting it for six months, and there were moments I almost gave up, thinking it wasn’t good enough. But my husband kept encouraging me to keep going. When it was finally done, my family and friends urged me to create a music video to go with it. So in just one week, we organized, shot, and edited the entire video. It was a challenging process from start to finish, but releasing it was the best decision we could’ve made. The response – especially from people in Ukraine – has been deeply moving.
The song has been embraced by activists and Ukrainian organizations, and you had the opportunity to perform it live in Washington D.C. How was it for you to sing for such a powerful audience, and what do you hope the song conveys to those who listen to it?
I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of that rally. It was organized by so many incredible Ukrainian foundations such as United Help Ukraine, Razom For Ukraine, Nova Ukraine and many more. It was truly one of the most meaningful moments of my life. Being there, standing with my country alongside hundreds of people and delegates from all over the US, was incredibly powerful. I was very nervous since it was my first time performing “Fight For Ukraina” live, but I’m so glad I was able to share this song and show my support.
The world has seen Ukraine’s struggle in the news, but how do you believe music can help keep the memory of what’s happening alive, especially when the headlines fade away?
I think this song could help remind people that the war is still happening and that innocent lives are being lost every single day. It’s something we can’t forget. I hope this song helps people outside of Ukraine connect with us, feel our pain, and support the Ukrainian people and those on the front lines. It’s a way to show that we’re standing with them and fighting together.
With so many emotions involved in the creation of “Fight for Ukraina,” how do you balance your role as an artist and as an activist? How has your music become a tool to heal, unite, and transform people’s perceptions of Ukraine?
I think it all goes hand in hand. As an artist and a Ukrainian, I feel a deep responsibility to use my voice to raise awareness. My main goal with this song is to spread the message that Ukraine still urgently needs the world’s support for this war to end. At the same time, I hope it offers comfort to Ukrainian people, helping us cope with the pain we carry every day and reminding us that we’re not alone. Music has the power to heal and unite, and I hope this song helps others connect with our story and stand with Ukraine.
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