A Knight’s Heart: Sir Rod Stewart Secretly Shelters Seven Ukrainian Refugees
Known for his enduring musical career and rock star extravagance, Sir Rod Stewart recently revealed a deeply personal act of compassion that eclipses his lavish lifestyle. The legendary singer quietly sponsored a Ukrainian refugee family of seven for a full year, providing them with a safe, stable home after they fled the war.
The act of generosity was initially intended to be private. However, Stewart ultimately chose to share the story to use his influence as a knight—a title he received in 2016 for his services to music and charity—to inspire others. “I am a knight, I should be using my power to do something for people,” he stated, explaining his decision to go public.
A Sanctuary for Seven
Sir Rod and his wife, Penny Lancaster, were profoundly moved by the humanitarian crisis. Stewart cited the bombing of innocent children and hospitals as the catalyst for their action, saying, “Words couldn’t describe what we were watching.”
The family—parents Rostyslav and Olena and their five children, ranging in age from 2 to 17—were forced to abandon their home in Ukraine. Arriving in the UK with no guarantee of accommodation, their plight came to the attention of the rock icon.
Stewart quickly acted, securing a furnished, three-story, four-bedroom townhouse in Berkshire. He personally pledged to cover the rent and all bills for the family for at least a year, offering them a critical period of safety. Rostyslav later described Sir Rod as a “very great man” who “saved my family from danger.”
A Spontaneous Serenade of ‘Sailing’
The emotional connection between the star and the family was captured in a moving video of Sir Rod visiting their new home. The family, dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing, greeted him warmly. A particularly poignant moment followed when Sir Rod spontaneously sang his iconic 1975 hit, “Sailing,” to the grateful family.
The song, which carries powerful themes of homecoming and longing, took on a profound new resonance in the context of the family finding a safe harbour. The performance left everyone visibly emotional, bringing tears to the eyes of the family and the singer alike. Rostyslav later confirmed he was playing Sir Rod’s music “round the clock,” with “Sailing” being his favorite.
More Than a Home: A Coordinated Effort
Sir Rod’s sponsorship was part of a larger, hands-on commitment to aid the war-torn nation. In addition to covering the Kurtiak family’s living expenses for a minimum of one year, the singer and his nephew, Warren Cady, first hired three trucks filled with supplies and drove them to the Ukrainian border. These same vehicles were then used to transport 16 refugees back to safety in Berlin.
The singer further extended his support by providing jobs for two other refugees on his Essex estate, including one as a gardener.
Sir Rod has also incorporated his support for Ukraine into his musical performances. He dedicates his 1991 anti-war song, “Rhythm Of My Heart,” to the people of Ukraine during his UK tour, often wearing a suit in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag. This story serves as a reminder that the biggest impact often comes from the most heartfelt, hands-on acts of kindness.
