Return to Ukraine’s Radio ROKS: Heavy Metal (and Hackers) for Brothers in Arms

Podcast: Click Here
Host: Dina Temple-Raston
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction: The Power of Radio in Times of War

Dina Temple-Raston opens the episode by drawing a parallel between President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s iconic 1941 radio broadcasts and a modern-day Ukrainian radio station, Radio Rocks. She emphasizes the enduring importance of radio as a medium that provides both information and comfort during turbulent times.

“Perhaps FDR chose radio because of what it does best, maybe better than any other medium. There's an intimacy to radio, something reassuring about listening to just the sound of someone's voice.” (02:00)

The Birth and Rise of Radio Rocks

Radio Rocks, established in the 1990s, became Ukraine’s first international rock and heavy metal station. It symbolized Ukraine's cultural shift from its Soviet past, broadcasting Western rock music that resonated deeply with listeners.

“Radio Rocks was born out of that tradition [of using music as a political statement during the Cold War]. When it started in the 1990s, it was the first international rock and roll and heavy metal station in Ukraine.” (07:03)

Serhi Zenin, one of Radio Rocks' hosts, shares his personal connection to the station. Growing up with a passion for rock music, Serhi found his calling when Radio Rocks offered him a platform to share the music he loved.

“It was a magical moment for me to play the music I love to people, to talk about this music, you know, and make it become my career.” (09:59)

Radio Rocks Amidst the Invasion

In February 2022, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine transformed Radio Rocks’ mission. The station adapted by dedicating half of its programming to war coverage, offering dispatches from the front lines, fundraising efforts, and call-in shows to support both soldiers and civilians.

“We were talking about what is going on, we were talking about fundraising processes, about helping our soldiers, about helping civilians.” (10:45)

The other half of the station continued to play rock music, aiming to inspire hope and provide emotional support through songs that resonate with the struggles and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“And also we started playing inspirational music. We understood that somehow we need to help people, to inspire them for fighting, to get them some hope through the music.” (12:14)

The Role of Music and Community Support

Radio Rocks became a beacon of normalcy and emotional relief for many Ukrainians. Serhi highlights how music requests from the battlefield provided soldiers with moments of respite and connection to their lives back home.

“It felt like that late night Delilah show in the US. It's wildly popular, but no one seems to want to admit that they actually listen to it. It's late. Did you just join us? Have you missed the whole night's worth of music and stories, you knucklehead?” (13:20)

Listeners shared heartfelt messages and song requests, reinforcing the station’s role in maintaining morale and unity.

“Every time that, for example, I hear this particular song, I start crying or I am very, very close to that. This is our country. We love it. And these are our brothers and sisters. We love them.” (21:39)

Cyberattacks and Resilience

In the summer of 2022, Radio Rocks faced cyberattacks from Russian hackers aiming to disrupt Ukrainian media and sow fear. A notable incident involved a fake broadcast falsely announcing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s critical condition.

“It was after we came back. Stay with us.” (15:34)

The malicious broadcast, with a robotic-sounding voice, momentarily deceived many listeners. However, Radio Rocks quickly responded by clarifying the misinformation, prompting President Zelensky to personally address the nation and dispel the false reports.

“I am in my office and I'm healthier than ever. And then, half smiling, he added, with all due respect to the older people, 44 is not 70. Glory to Ukraine.” (17:11)

This incident underscored the vulnerabilities of digital media and the enduring strength of traditional radio in disseminating accurate information during crises.

Serhi Zenin’s Transition to Military Service

Amidst his pivotal role at Radio Rocks, Serhi Zenin felt compelled to join the military. Responding to his father's urging, he enlisted in the 412th Battalion, known for its renowned drone unit, Nemesis.

“I want to do my best to bring the victory, and I want to come back to this life, to work on the station, to play this music, you know, to hang out with my friends.” (20:42)

While serving, Serhi reflects on how his perception of music has deepened, finding new emotional layers in the songs he once cherished purely for their beats and lyrics.

“And a lot of songs, by the way, started sounding quite differently for me personally. Like, for example, I always liked the song by Dire Straits, which is called Brothers in Arms. But I never felt it so much like I do right now.” (21:06)

Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Radio and Rock

Despite the ongoing conflict, Radio Rocks remains steadfast in its mission to inform and uplift the Ukrainian people. The station symbolizes the resilience and unity of a nation under siege, with rock music serving as both a cultural touchstone and a source of inspiration.

“Freedom, love. These are the things that you have to fight for, and these are actually one of those things that we believe in and we fight for them.” (22:34)

As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war, Radio Rocks stands as a testament to the unifying power of music and the indispensable role of media in sustaining national morale.

Key Quotes:

• “There’s an intimacy to radio, something reassuring about listening to just the sound of someone’s voice.” – Dina Temple-Raston (02:00)

• “Every single man, woman and child is a partner in the most tremendous undertaking of our American history.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt (01:14)

• “We must share together the bad news and the good news, the defeats and the victories.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt (01:47)

• “Freedom, love. These are the things that you have to fight for.” – Serhi Zenin (22:34)

This episode of Click Here masterfully intertwines historical parallels with contemporary challenges, highlighting the vital role of Radio Rocks in Ukraine's struggle and the enduring spirit of its people.