With or Without You

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U2 has released a poignant short documentary film inspired by their recently released song, “Yours Eternally.” The 4½-minute film, a companion piece to the track from the EP Days of Ash, offers a stark and intimate seem at the realities faced by soldiers on the front lines in Ukraine.

Directed by Ukrainian cinematographer and filmmaker Ilya Mikhaylus, who is also a member of the Khartiya Corps, the documentary was filmed in December 2025 even as Mikhaylus and his crew were embedded with the Khartiya Corps in the Kharkiv region. The film centers on Alina and her fellow soldiers, capturing their daily lives amidst the ongoing conflict. “Yours Eternally” features a collaboration between U2, Ed Sheeran, and Ukrainian singer Taras Topolia, and the film serves as a powerful visual extension of the song’s themes of resilience and hope.

The project aims to humanize the ongoing conflict, moving beyond headlines to showcase the individual stories of those defending their homeland. Mikhaylus explained, “For four years, Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion, and the soldiers of the Khartiya Corps are among the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians defending their homeland.” He further stated, “In this short film, and in the upcoming full-length documentary, we attempt to show the beating human heart of those incredible men and women, the struggles and sacrifices they are making everyday for the most sacred thing on this planet – freedom.”

The release of the documentary coincides with the publication of Propaganda, a 52-page digital zine accompanying the Days of Ash EP. The zine features interviews with Mikhaylus, producer Pyotr Verzilov, athlete Alina Shukh (featured in the film), and musician Taras Topolia, offering deeper insight into the creation of both the song and the documentary.

Filming on the Front Lines

The documentary provides a rare glimpse into the daily experiences of soldiers in the Kharkiv region, a key area in the ongoing conflict. The Khartiya Corps, numbering approximately 40,000 strong, is actively involved in defending Ukrainian territory. Mikhaylus and his team spent time embedded with the 2nd “Khartiya” Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, gaining access to the realities of frontline life. The film highlights the courage and dedication of individuals like Alina, whose story embodies the spirit of resistance.

The production team acknowledged the support of several individuals and organizations crucial to the film’s completion, including CorpsCommander Colonel Ihor Obolenskiy, Vsevolod Kozhemyako, and the Art Action Foundation, founded by John Caldwell and Nadya Tolokonnikova. The documentary’s credits also list a team of cinematographers – Ilya Mikhaylus, Yaroslav Korotkov, Pavlo Itkin, Stepan Pavlyuk, Sasha Tuz, Alla Savytska, Kyrylo Postnikov, and Katya Gimro – as well as editors Ilya Mikhaylus, Yaroslav Korotkov, and Kyrylo Postnikov.

A Larger Project in Development

This short film is just the first installment of a larger documentary project. Mikhaylus and his team are currently working on a full-length film, slated for release at the end of 2026, which will further explore the stories of the soldiers and the impact of the war on Ukrainian society. The filmmakers hope to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the conflict, focusing on the human cost and the unwavering determination of those defending their country.

U2 described the Days of Ash EP as “an immediate response” to current events, inspired by “the many extraordinary and courageous people fighting on the frontlines of freedom,” as reported by RTÉ. The band’s commitment to raising awareness about the situation in Ukraine underscores the importance of amplifying the voices of those directly affected by the conflict.

As the war in Ukraine continues, projects like this documentary serve as a vital reminder of the human stories behind the headlines. The full-length documentary, expected later in 2026, promises to offer an even more in-depth and moving exploration of the resilience and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people. The release of this film marks a significant moment of reflection on the ongoing conflict and a testament to the power of art to bear witness to history.

What are your thoughts on U2’s continued support for Ukraine? Share your comments below and help spread awareness about this vital project.

U2 has surprised fans with the release of their first recent collection of songs since 2017, the EP 'Days of Ash.' The six-track release is already making waves for its politically charged lyrics, directly addressing current global events and figures. The band, known for their long history of social and political commentary, hasn’t shied away from tackling difficult subjects with this new work, reaffirming their position as a vital political voice in music.

The EP’s lead single, “American Obituary,” is a stark commentary on the killing of Renee Good, a mother of three who was fatally shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis on January 7th. Bono’s lyrics directly address the incident, questioning the labeling of Good as a “domestic terrorist” by Kristi Noem, head of the US Department of Homeland Security. The song features a “forthright, pealing riff” from The Edge, setting a hard rock tone for the EP’s exploration of loss and injustice.

Beyond the tragedy of Renee Good, 'Days of Ash' confronts a range of global issues. Bono specifically called out Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ICE, during the release of the EP, according to reports. The band’s willingness to name names and address controversial figures directly is a hallmark of their approach to political songwriting. This isn’t a new tactic for U2; they’ve long used their platform to raise awareness and challenge power structures.

The EP also features a collaboration with Ed Sheeran and a Ukrainian soldier, further highlighting the band’s commitment to amplifying voices from conflict zones. BreakingNews.ie reported on this collaboration, noting the politically driven nature of the new record. The inclusion of a Ukrainian soldier’s contribution underscores the band’s support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

Bono, speaking in a fanzine accompanying the release, characterized Renee Good as “a woman committed to nonviolent civil disobedience.” He expressed concern over the use of language to delegitimize dissent, stating, “This was an attempt to assassinate meaning itself, the meaning of words, the meaning of truth.” He warned that allowing such rhetoric to go unchallenged threatens the foundations of democracy.

A Return to Form and Political Engagement

The release of 'Days of Ash' precedes a new, “defiantly joyful” album slated for release later in 2026. This EP serves as a powerful statement of intent, signaling a return to U2’s roots of politically engaged songwriting. The band has consistently used their music to address social and political issues throughout their career, and this new release is no exception. The EP’s themes of injustice, loss, and resistance resonate deeply in the current global climate.

Bono’s History of Activism

Bono’s activism extends beyond his music. As noted in his Wikipedia entry, he is a founding member of U2 and a prominent activist for social justice causes. He has been involved in numerous campaigns, including those focused on debt relief in Africa and the fight against AIDS. His work with organizations like ONE Campaign demonstrates his long-standing commitment to global issues. In 2001, Bono met with Russian President Vladimir Putin alongside Bob Geldof, as documented in a YouTube video, highlighting his history of engaging with world leaders on important issues. He also paid tribute to Alexei Navalny during a U2 Sphere performance in February 2024, following Navalny’s death in custody, as reported by Billboard.

The band’s decision to release this EP now, after a period of relative silence in terms of new music, is a significant moment for both U2 and their fans. It demonstrates their continued relevance and their unwavering commitment to using their platform to speak truth to power. The EP’s release is a reminder of the power of music to inspire change and to hold those in power accountable.

What comes next for U2 remains to be seen, but the release of 'Days of Ash' clearly indicates a renewed focus on political engagement and a commitment to using their music to address the challenges facing the world today. The upcoming album promises to build on the themes explored in this EP, offering fans a deeper dive into the band’s evolving perspective on global events.

What are your thoughts on U2’s new EP? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends!