Ukraine’s victory at the Eurovision Song Contest brought national pride, joy and artistic prestige to the country amid the devastation of war. Now, it will also help supply drones to the Ukrainian army.

Kalush Orchestra, a Ukrainian band that won Eurovision after sweeping the phone-in popular vote, put up for auction its trophy and the pink bucket hat worn by its lead singer during the contest. The items netted more than $US1.2 million ($1.7 million), a spokesperson for the band said in a statement on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).