Kharkiv clarinetist plays in front of Colorado Springs City Hall in honor of Ukraine

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs clarinetist from Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, played in front of the city hall to honor people suffering in the Russian invasion.

It's been a month since Russia invaded Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky made a call to action to the people Thursday, to hold protests against Russia's invasion of his country.

A renowned Ukrainian clarinetist played a very public tribute to his country in front of the Colorado Springs City Hall.

Ukrainian clarinetist Sergei Vassiliev says he's doing everything he can to help those people back home in Ukraine, he says playing music at city hall is a way of him showing he is with them.

"It keeps me kind of together with Ukraine right now so that's been one of the hard things that I am so far away and I really feel like I should be there and at least do something," said Vassiliev.

While also fighting a constant battle with anxiety-- He is hoping his family back home in Kharkiv, Ukraine can survive another night under Russia's attacks.

" I go to sleep at night and I check my phone to see if they are online and then I wake up in the morning to see if they are online, I check on every one of them and if I don't see it, I call--it is a constant thought," said Vassiliev.

 A couple of weeks ago, Vassiliev started a donation site, partnering up with a volunteer organization in Ukraine, 'Kharkiv Help.'

"They've been getting things like food for the front lines, medical equipment that helps people heal like the machines, flashlights, batteries, things that are needed when the city is under siege," added Vassiliev.

Since then the donation site has racked up more than $30,000, providing aid and comfort to dozens of people in the country.

More than 3.6 million have fled Ukraine, while many are still trapped in the war zone.

To donate, click here.