Pop star's hunger strike is off for now
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Ukrainian pop star Ruslana Lezhychko has temporarily ended a hunger strike in support of the opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko.
Lezhychko, 26, who won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Wild Dances", announced the start of her protest on Thursday to tens of thousands of Ukrainians in Kiev's Independence Square.
Then on Saturday Ukraine's parliament symbolically declared the election invalid after growing street protests and allegations of fraud. "I have ended the hunger strike, because I see positive developments," the 26-year-old singer told Welt am Sonntag newspaper. "As soon as the situation comes to a head again, I will immediately resume the hunger strike and only drink tea and water." Ms Lezhychko said the declaration by parliament was "a victory for the people". But, she added: "It is only the first, small victory. Other more important victories must follow."
Lezhychko won the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul. Unlike most contenders who quickly fade, Lezhychko's album went platinum in Ukraine. After her victory, the Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych, appointed Lezhychko his special adviser for cultural affairs, but she declined to take up the offer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments