The Swedish broadcaster hopes that the EBU will reconsider its decision.
Last year, Ukraine was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest by the band Go_A with the song Shum. Hollandse Hoogte / Shutterstock, AOP
Russia’s hostilities against Ukraine have been widely criticized around the world. Various parties have shown their support for Ukraine by boycotting events in Russia.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is not going to exclude Russia from this spring’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Swedish broadcaster SVT asked the EBU by e-mail on Thursday after Russia had launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine.
– We are a non-political cultural event, the EBU replied by email To SVT.
– The purpose of the competition is to unite peoples and celebrate diversity through music. Both Russia and Ukraine have been invited to join the competition, and so far we plan to welcome both countries in May, the EBU reported.
SVT has hoped that the EBU will reconsider its position.
– I understand the basic idea of Eurovision as an apolitical event. But the situation in Europe is serious when Russia attacks Ukraine. It crosses all borders, the CEO of SVT Hanna Stjärne comment heavily.
Manizha represented Russia last spring in Rotterdam. ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN, AOP
Both Russia and Ukraine have been drawn to compete in the first Eurovision semi-finals in May. The singing competition will be held in Turin, Italy.
So far, Russia has not announced its representative for the competition. Ukraine announced on Tuesday that the country would be represented by the Kalush Orchestra Stefania.