Ukraine Invasion: Russia Expelled from Eurovision Song Contest

Web Desk — Russia won’t be able to compete in this year’s Eurovision song contest, the organizer confirmed on Friday, after Ukraine and several other public broadcasters demanded Russia to be expelled.

In light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in the competition would bring disrepute to the competition, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement.

Finland announced on Friday it would not send contestants to the final if Russia were allowed to take part. Ukrainian, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Lithuanian and Norwegian broadcasters urged the EBU to expel Russia.

‘May God Protect Innocent People’

The Eurovision final, one of the largest televised events in the world, will be held in Turin, Italy, on May 14.

Despite not sending a contestant this year, Russia has participated 23 times since its first appearance in 1994 and won in 2008.