Eurovision will not allow the participation of Russia after the "unprecedented crisis in Ukraine"

The executive board of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced this Friday that it is vetoing Russia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Turin next May.

The country will not be able to compete after the “unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”.

A few hours before, the position of the EBU was the opposite and the country chaired by Vladimir Putin was going to be on the Eurovision stage.

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Russian troops arrive in the Ukrainian capital

Through a statement, the UER has explained that the change in position follows the recommendation of the governing body of the festival itself and is based on the rules of the event and the values ​​of UER.

In addition, the organization has consulted “widely with its members”, according to its statement.

Russia's participation in this contest would "discredit the competition."

The text points out, however, that the UER is an "apolitical" organization whose stations are "committed to defending the values ​​of public service."

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 EBU is "dedicated to protecting the values ​​of a cultural competition that promotes exchange and understanding", that "celebrates diversity through music" and that "unites Europe on the same stage".

Spain chose its representative for this edition through the Benidorm Fest, a song festival in which Chanel, with her song

, was proclaimed the winner on January 29.

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