The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has decided not to allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to perform in front of the Eurovision audience due to the position of the organizer that this could lead to the politicization of the event, which will cause a strong reaction both in Ukraine and in the UK, where the song of this year the event is held.

Kiev has asked Mr. Zelensky to speak to a pan-European Eurovision audience during the final on Saturday, in an event that would normally be held in Ukraine due to the country’s victory last year, but is co-hosted with the UK due to the war. in Liverpool.

“Eurovision is an international entertainment show that has strict rules and principles that have been established since its inception,” said a spokesman for the association. “One of the cornerstones of the contest is its non-political nature,” he added.

According to him, “this principle excludes the possibility of making political or similar statements in the context of competition.”

“Mr. Zelensky’s request to speak to the audience at Eurovision, although expressed with laudable intentions, unfortunately cannot be accepted, as this would be contrary to the rules of the event,” the EBU representative added.

Baroness Tina Stowell, chairman of the Lords Committee on Communications and Digital and former head of the BBC’s political department, told The Times of London: “

In addition, former Minister of Culture Lord Ed Vesey believes that Zelensky should be allowed to perform at Eurovision.

“This is a happy night and a meeting of European peoples and artists, but we all know what is behind it, and it’s a pity to hide from it,” he said, stressing that the only reason the competition is held in the UK is war. .

“It would be kind to allow Mr. Zelensky to make a statement about why Ukraine is in a very awkward position, not being able to hold a contest,” he added.

Back in Ukraine, the state news agency Ukrinform denounces the stance of European state broadcasters with a headline: “They didn’t let Zelensky speak.”

The EBU, which includes about 100 broadcasters, including the BBC, stressed that it continues to support Ukraine during the competition with the participation of Ukrainian artists. According to her, at least 11 artists from Ukraine will take part in the competition.

In addition, 37 places in Ukraine are presented on the screen in short videos, giving an idea of ​​each of the artists before they appear on stage.

“We believe that this is the best way … to show that music unites us in these difficult times,” the Union said.

Source: The Times, Ukrinform