Russia can compete in Eurovision despite Ukraine aggression, bosses claim

Actions from both Russia and Ukraine are ‘welcome’ at the Eurovision Song Contest later this year, with organizers describing the contest as a “non-political cultural event”. The statement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine

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Eurovision reveals a brand new look for the 2022 competition

European Song Contest said it plans to welcome actions from both Russia and Ukraine later this year, despite Vladimir Putin’s continued aggression.

On Tuesday morning, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with explosions resounding across major cities and more than 40 confirmed casualties.

Speaking in relation to this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for May, the organizers declared the contest a “non-political cultural event” and appeared to dismiss suggestions Note that Russia’s attack on the neighboring country will result in the country being banned by 2022.

The 66th edition of the annual competition will be held in Turin after Italian rock band Maneskin won the competition last year.

The news comes after the European Union and other countries condemned Russia’s invasion and promised tough sanctions against the Kremlin.

“The European Song Contest is a non-political cultural event that unites nations and celebrates diversity through music,” reads a statement from the competition run by the European Broadcasting Union. (EBU) implementation.

“EBU public broadcaster members in both Russia and Ukraine have already committed to this year’s event in Turin and we are now planning to welcome artists from both countries to perform in September. Five.

“We will of course continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The statement came as many social media outlets enthusiastically suggested that Russia should not be eligible for the contest.

“Russia should also be banned from competing at Eurovision,” one social media user wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning.

Another tweeted the official account for Eurovision, writing: “RUSSIA FROM EUROPE NOW.”

Earlier this week, the former X Factor stars took to their joint Twitter account to declare: “Only Putin! Russia, you didn’t win Eurovision and you certainly didn’t win this war!”

Last week, the action chosen to represent Ukraine in Turin withdrew from representing her country after encountering scrutiny during a reported 2015 visit to Russian-occupied Crimea.

Alina Pash was selected in a televised national selection and will perform her song Shadows Of Forgotten Ancestors, but withdrew from the competition after details of the trip became available.

Those entering the territory through Russia are considered by Ukraine to have crossed the border illegally. There is no suggestion that Alina entered Crimea from Russia.

Aline was replaced by rap group Kalush Orchestra with the song Stefania.

Russia has yet to announce its action for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision often reflects the geopolitical tensions and conflicts between Russia and Ukraine that have played out at the event in previous years.

In 2017, Julia Samoylova was selected to represent Russia in the annual singing competition, which takes place in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

The singer was blocked from the country for allegedly having toured in Crimea without entering across the border with mainland Ukraine.

Russian television station Channel One later announced that it would not broadcast the contest or not participate.