Ukrainian refugee performs with Rita Ora at Eurovision

Sofiia Kladko is 12 years old and has been living in Warrington following her move from the north west of Kyiv.

The youngster is part of a dance troupe from the Liverpool Institue of Performing Arts that joined Rita Ora during her performance at the song contest.

The performer took to the stage during the ongoing Eurovision Song Contest (Image: PA)

54 backing dancers from Lipa joined the 32-year-old onstage at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

Before the performance, the 'Anywhere' singer acknowledged Sofiia on social media, writing that she has shown 'strength and hope during these turbulent, tragic and changeable times.'

Ora added: "We must not forget the privilege the UK has to play its part as host nation at the Eurovision 2023 for the Ukraine after the Kalush Orchestra won the contest last year."

This is Sofiia – A dancer and refugee from Rivne, in the north west of Kyiv. She has been living in Warrington since 2022.

To me, Sofiia represents strength and hope during these turbulent, tragic and changeable times. We must not forget the privilege the UK has to play its… pic.twitter.com/iNkbBbhYMz

— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) May 9, 2023

The popstar was born in Kosovo, but left the country with her family, later pursuing a career in the music industry.

She said: "The plight of Sofiia's family reminds me of the incredible journey my family went through when I was her age, and how I will be forever grateful to the UK for showing us kindness and compassion.

"Sofiia opens my performance this evening playing with a ball, representing the loss of childhood for these poor refugees.

"I hope this amazing song contest opens hearts across Europe and the world. We love you Ukraine, we all perform tonight, for you."

Ora's performance came 14 years after she auditioned to represent the UK in 2009 with the song 'Get Here' by Oleta Adams.