---
title: "Zelensky's Playlist: From Aerosmith to Okean Elzy — What the President Listens to on Air at Davos"
description: "🎧 Zelensky at Davos confessed: listens to Bunny, dreams of a Ukrainian Aerosmith, and adores \"Okean Elzy\" — but asks not to tell Vakarchuk 😄 #Zelensky #OkeanElzy #Davos2025"
date: 2026-06-11T13:08:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelensky-music-preferences-davos-ocean-elzy-bunny-aerosmith-en
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Zelensky's Playlist: From Aerosmith to Okean Elzy — What the President Listens to on Air at Davos

![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wearing headphones at the World Economic Forum in Davos, discussing his music playlist](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/11/zelensky-music-preferences-davos-ocean-elzy-bunny-aerosmith/zelensky-music-preferences-davos-ocean-elzy-bunny-aerosmith-1.webp)

On the stage of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Volodymyr Zelensky, known for his directness and unconventional approaches, allowed himself a rare moment of lightness. During his speech, he shared his personal musical preferences, surprising the audience with unexpected confessions and humor.

### From Bunny to Aerosmith: The President's Musical Discoveries

When the moderator asked Zelensky about the genres he feels are missing in modern music, he answered cautiously to avoid offending anyone. However, he then made an important confession: "I never thought I would listen to Bunny with such pleasure." This became one of the most memorable moments of his speech — demonstrating openness to new sounds, even if they are far from his usual repertoire.

Then the president asked a rhetorical question: "Is there a possibility today that Ukraine has an Aerosmith?" — and immediately answered himself: "For me, that is 'Okean Elzy'". Thus, he expressed his deep attachment to the Ukrainian rock band, comparing its influence on him to that of the cult American group.

### "Just don't tell Vakarchuk" — a joke with subtext

The brightest moment was his confession: "I love 'Okean Elzy', honestly. Just don't tell Vakarchuk." This phrase caused laughter in the hall and went viral on social media. Zelensky added that he named this specific group because "no one will be offended that I named Vakarchuk" — thereby emphasizing his respect for the musician and his status in society.

### "Okean Elzy": More Than Music

The band, founded in Lviv on October 12, 1994, has long become a symbol of Ukrainian culture and resistance. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, they have actively supported the military: frontman Sviatoslav Vakarchuk personally joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the band regularly performs for defenders at the front line and participates in charity events.

In April 2024, Vakarchuk gave a concert for DTEK energy workers right on a destroyed thermal power plant — a gesture that became a symbol of resilience and unity. Last year, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary by releasing the documentary film "Okean Elzy: Storm Observation," which became a hit among fans and critics.

### State Recognition: "National Legend of Ukraine"

In the summer of 2025, Vakarchuk and other stars of Ukrainian culture received the highest state award — "National Legend of Ukraine". This prize is awarded to citizens who glorify the country on the international arena and inspire the people. For Zelensky, mentioning "Okean Elzy" became not just a personal preference, but a public recognition of their contribution to national identity.

### Music as Diplomacy

Zelensky's speech in Davos showed how music can become a tool of soft power. His words about Bunny, Aerosmith, and "Okean Elzy" were not just entertainment — they demonstrated the leader's ability to be human, open, and close to the people. In a world where politics often sounds dry, such moments create an emotional connection with the audience and strengthen the country's image.