Sir Rod Stewart responds after being booed at Germany gig for showing Ukraine flag and picture of Volodymyr Zelensky

Sir Rod Stewart has launched a passionate defence of his support for Ukraine after he was booed at a gig in Germany while showing an image of the Ukraine flag and the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky.

The 79-year-old singer, who has Scottish roots, has been outspoken in his support for the war-torn country. He supported a family of seven refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion by helping them with lodging and bills.

Sir Rod has previously used the 1991 hit Rhythm Of My Heart, which he has described as a war song, throughout his tours as a dedication to Ukraine.

Rod Stewart displayed an image of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on a big screen during his show.

Before performing the track at Leipzig’s Quarterback Immobilien Arena on Friday, he displayed the flag of Ukraine on a projector behind him. The stage then displayed an image of Mr Zelensky on a big screen, while loud boos, shouts and whistles could be heard in videos posted on social media.

Sir Rod said: “I have supported the Ukrainian people throughout this war. From arranging for members of my family to take supplies to the country, to renting a house in the UK for a Ukrainian family, as well as employing two Ukrainians as part of my touring crew.

“So yes, I do support Zelensky and the people of Ukraine, and I will continue to do so.

“Putin must be stopped. I’m having the time of my life playing for German audiences, sharing some special memories, and I’m looking forward to playing my remaining dates here.”

Sir Rod previously organised with his family to hire lorries filled with supplies and had them driven to the border of Ukraine, before using the same vehicles to transport a group of refugees to safety in Berlin.

The Ukraine war was discussed in a peace summit held this weekend in Switzerland, where more than 80 countries signed an agreement that reiterated Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but fell short of the issue of Ukrainian land occupied by invading Russian forces.

Sir Rod is set to return to Germany for shows that will coincide with the Euros 2024 competition. He will perform at Hamburg’s Barclays Arena on Thursday, Cologne’s Lanxess Arena on June 25 and Munich’s Olympiahalle on June 28.