Paul McCartney has announced today (April 24) that he is to headline a special free concert in Independence Square in Kiev on June 14.

The ‘Independence Concert’ is the brainchild of philanthropist Victor Pinchuk and the groundbreaking event in the Ukraine will be the first ‘independent social initiative that aims to strengthen the confidence and understanding in the Ukrainian society’ of it’s kind.

Former Beatle McCartney says in a statement this morning: “I’m very excited because on the 14th of June I’ve been invited to play a concert in Independence Square, Kiev. Me and the band are going to be there and we’re going to have to a great evening and we hope to see you there. So come along, it’s going to be great evening hopefully for the Ukraine. Pull together, groove, rock and roll – all together”

The show, with a capacity for hundreds of thousands of music fans will also be broadcast live on Ukranian TV channel Novy TV as well as live on giant screens set up around the country.

Victor Pinchuk, founder of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation has also commented on the historic nature of the show, saying: “One could not imagine this 30 years ago. Nobody could even dare to hope for this 20 years ago. One could only dream about it 10 years ago. 5 years ago we could only envy our neighbours for whom this became a reality. And finally the day has come. For the first time we have the opportunity to hear the songs that changed the world and created a new culture. The songs that we grew up with and became who we are.”

Coinciding with performing at the concert, Paul McCartney will also open the first exhibition of 40 of his paintings at the Pinchuk Art Centre, the largest gallery in Eastern Europe.