Russia will no longer be allowed to take part in Eurovision 2022 due to Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
After maintaining that Russia would be allowed to compete in this years Eurovision song contest, the competition’s organisers have backflipped on their original decision, and have banned Russia from taking part.
Just yesterday, Eurovision’s organisers EBU insisted that the song contest is a “non-political cultural event,” and therefore Russia would still be included in the 2022 competition, despite Vladimir Putin’s ongoing attack on Ukraine.
But the EBU reversed that decision earlier today, releasing a statement via Variety that confirmed, “No Russian act will participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.”
“The decision reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disrepute,” the statement continued.
The EBU haven’t confirmed whether their veto on Russia competing will only be upheld in 2022, or if it will remain imposed permanently.
Russia finished ninth in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, with a performance by Manizha – a Russian singer-songwriter and Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Russia’s “unprovoked” attack on Ukraine has sparked worldwide anti-war protests and various sanctions imposed on the perpetrating country.
Since the invasion, the UEFA Champions League final has been relocated from St Petersburg to Paris, and high-profile Formula One drivers are refusing to travel to Russia for the annual Grand Prix in Sochi.
