Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been prevented from making a video appearance at the Eurovision pop contest due to the non-political nature of the event.
As the winners of last year’s contest, 2023’s Eurovision should have been staged in Ukraine, but is instead being hosted in England due to the war. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expressed concerns that Zelenskyy’s speech might politicise the concerts while Zelenskyy, who expressed his respect for the UK, stated his preference for the event to be staged in a country neighbouring Ukraine, such as Slovakia or Poland.
An EBU spokesperson stated, “The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show and governed by strict rules and principles which have been established since its creation. As part of these, one of the cornerstones of the contest is the non-political nature of the event.” But the city of Liverpool, where the event is taking place, is now home to 3000 Ukrainian Refugees and has been adorned with Ukrainian symbols and flags.
Ukraine won last year’s contest on the merits of Stefania’s fused rap and folk song with the Kalush Orchestra.
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Eurovision declines Zelenskyy’s request to speak to Audience
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