U2 has released a powerful new short film accompanying their song “Yours Eternally,” a collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Ukrainian musician-turned-soldier Taras Topolia. The release comes as part of the band’s recently dropped EP, ‘Days of Ash,’ a project described by the band as a response to current events and dedicated to those on the frontlines of conflict. The film offers a stark and intimate look at the realities of the war in Ukraine, marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
The track itself is presented as a letter penned by a soldier actively engaged in combat, and the accompanying short film, directed by Ukrainian cinematographer and filmmaker Ilya Mikhaylus, aims to capture the daily lives of those fighting for their country. Mikhaylus explained that the film, and a forthcoming full-length documentary, are intended to reveal “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.”
A Collaboration Born of Shared Concern
The collaboration between U2 and Ed Sheeran came about organically, according to Bono, who described Sheeran as a “whirling dervish of a talent” in a recent interview published in U2’s fanzine, Propaganda. Bono noted that he and Sheeran had grown closer in recent years, and that he’d also arrive to know Sheeran’s wife, Cherry Seaborn, a dedicated climate activist. The singer shared that Sheeran expressed support for Ukraine but was hesitant to become embroiled in political debate, a concern Bono addressed by assuring him the focus would remain on the music. He admitted, however, that he may have been “bluffing in the moment.”
The creative process extended beyond the initial track, with a late-night writing session between Sheeran, his songwriting partner Johnny McDaid, and Bono yielding additional material, some of which leans toward Irish folk influences. The EP, released last week, features six tracks centered around individual stories – a mother, a father, a teenage girl, and a soldier grappling with the loss of his creative aspirations in service of his country.
Documenting the Human Cost of War
The short film accompanying “Yours Eternally” provides a visceral glimpse into the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, focusing on Alina and her fellow fighters on the front lines. The film serves as a prelude to a larger documentary project slated for release later this year. The release of the film coincides with a sobering statistic: Sky News reports that, since February 2024, nearly two million casualties have been recorded on both sides of the conflict.
Mikhaylus’s work aims to move beyond statistics, offering a humanizing portrayal of those involved in the fighting. “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 stated. The film is a testament to their resilience, and sacrifice.
U2’s Return to Form and Future Projects
The release of ‘Days of Ash’ marks a return to more immediate, reactive songwriting for U2, a departure from the material slated for their upcoming full-length album. Bono described the EP’s tracks as “impatient to be out in the world,” characterizing them as “songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation.” He also revealed that the band enjoyed the process of working together again, having spent the last year reconnecting in the studio.
Alongside the EP, U2 has revived their fanzine, Propaganda, providing a platform for deeper engagement with their fanbase and offering insights into the creative process behind their latest work. The fanzine also provided a space for Bono to reflect on his collaboration with Sheeran, noting the musician’s energy and shared creative impatience. “He’s even more impatient in the studio than me…” Bono shared, adding that their collaboration involved “songs written into the small hours” and “a certain amount of Guinness involved.”
The band’s recent artistic output follows a period of public engagement from Bono on broader geopolitical issues. Last year, he shared his thoughts on achieving freedom in conflict zones in an op-ed for The Atlantic, and he was subsequently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He has also publicly addressed the Israel-Palestine crisis, expressing concern over actions in Gaza and calling for the release of Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti.
You can watch the short film for “Yours Eternally” here:
U2’s full album is expected to arrive later in 2026. Fans can anticipate further updates through the band’s official channels and the revived Propaganda fanzine.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of conflict, resources are available. You can find support and information at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline.
What are your thoughts on U2’s new EP and the accompanying film? Share your reactions in the comments below.
