Finland will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest if Russia participates in them.
Finland was represented in recent times by the Blind Channel.
Yle does not intend to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest if Russia participates. The head of Yle’s Creative Content and Media unit talks about it Ville Vilén Yle’s press release.
– Russia’s attack on Ukraine is contrary to all the values that Yle and other European broadcasters represent. Yle always defends Western democracy, the rule of law, freedom of speech and human dignity, Vilén said.
Vilén said on Thursday that the EU should decide on Russia’s participation.
CEO of YLE Merja Ylä-Anttila tells Iltalehti that he negotiated with other Nordic broadcasters today, Friday.
– Everyone makes their own decisions, but our line is pretty clear. Companies and communities have values, and they are defended when the time comes, Ylä-Anttila says.
On Thursday, Ebu welcomed both Russia and Ukraine to the Eurovision Song Contest. Ylä-Anttila does not take a position on whether Ebu’s position is changing yet.
Finland’s Eurovision Song Contest will be chosen on Saturday in the New Music Competition.