Russia has been banned from performing in the international music competition Eurovision due to its invasion of Ukraine.
The European Broadcasting Union announced on Friday that a Russian act would not be allowed to perform in Eurovision, which will be broadcast in May.
“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 organization said in a statement.
LARGE BLASTS HEARD IN KYIV AS RUSSIAN FORCES CONVERGE ON UKRAINIAN CAPITAL
The EBU has issued the statement below regarding Russia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022
Find it online here➡️https://t.co/5xXIYUNmXO#Eurovision #ESC2022 pic.twitter.com/OGjQKtiZfm
— EBU (@EBU_HQ) February 25, 2022
The organization describes itself as an “apolitical member organization of broadcasters” and says that it is dedicated to “protecting the values of a cultural competition which promotes international exchange and understanding, brings audiences together, celebrates diversity through music and unites Europe on one stage.”
The statement is a reversal of the organization’s previous position. The organization stated on Thursday that it would allow Russia and Ukraine to compete despite a plea from Ukraine’s public broadcast network to ban Russia from the organization and Eurovision.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Eurovision, which European viewers watch annually as performers from across the continent put on energetic performances, has been going since 1956. One hundred and eighty-three million viewers watched the 2021 broadcast, a 4% increase over 2019. The event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine has received criticism across the globe and has reportedly caused several thousand deaths. Ukraine officials claim they have killed nearly 3,000 invading Russian troops in the first day of fighting. Thousands of Ukrainians are also attempting to leave the country, with “several hundred” U.S. nationals leaving Ukraine in the last 24 hours.
