Eurovision: Ukraine asks that Russia be removed from the competition

The Eurovision final is due to take place in Turin, Italy this year. However, there is currently a debate on whether Russia should be allowed to compete after their invasion of Ukraine. Here’s the organisation’s response.

The Eurovision Song Contest

The Eurovision Song Contest first began in 1956 and has been ongoing ever since. The show has been hosted by the country that won the competition the previous year. This year, the contest is being hosted by Italy after the rock band Maneskin won last year.

The contest has seen many popular artists perform, such as Celine Dion, Cliff Richard, ABBA, Julio Iglesias and Olivia Newton-John.

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Ukraine-Russia crisis

Since Russia has invaded Ukraine, Ukraine’s official broadcaster has asked that Russia be excluded from this year’s competition. In response to Ukraine’s request, the Eurovision Song Contest has suggested that they have no plans to remove Russia from the competition.

The following statement was released by the contest:

The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political cultural event which unites nations and celebrates diversity through music,

The [European Broadcasting Union’s] public broadcaster members in both Russia and Ukraine have committed to participating in this year’s event in Turin and we are currently planning to welcome artists from both countries to perform in May.

We of course will continue to monitor the situation closely,

Ukrainian broadcaster believes that Russia will use this as an opportunity to spread its propaganda and are going against the competition’s values.

Ukraine’s original entry, Alina Pash, stepped down after it was revealed that she was seen in Russian-occupied Crimea. The Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra is replacing her, performing with their song ‘Stefania’.

Russia is yet to announce their Eurovision entry.