Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj was delighted with his country’s Eurovision victory – and announced that he would like to host the competition next year in the port city of Mariupol, which is currently almost completely destroyed: “We will do our best to support the participants and guests of the Eurovision one day in Mariupol, Ukraine. Free, Peaceful, Rebuilt! I am sure that our victory chord in the battle with the enemy is not far away.”
“Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe”
On Saturday (May 14), the highly-favored Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy, with a record 631 votes from across Europe. Because Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian war of aggression since February 14 of this year, the country’s musical representative had already received a large wave of solidarity in the run-up to the competition – for example, candidates from other nations called for support for the battered country agree.
Selenskyj was encouraged after the victory: “Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe,” said the 44-year-old. The role of host traditionally falls to last year’s winner – Zelenskyi promised that despite the current emergency, Ukraine will be no exception. It was the third victory for his country after Ukraine had already won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 and 2016.
ESC winner: “I’m ready to fight – to the end!”
The Ukrainian rapper Oleh Psiuk used the European stage for a statement: “I ask you all: Help Ukraine, Mariupol and the people in the Azov steelworks.” Political statements are actually prohibited at the ESC. However, the European Broadcasting Union said that no action will be taken against the band – the comment made by the 27-year-old musician was more humanitarian than political, according to the organizers.
Psiuk has not yet been called up for military service, but is part of a volunteer organization that organizes transport, housing and medicine for refugees. In an interview with “stern” before the competition, he had expressed his willingness to defend his country: “I’m ready to fight – to the end!”