Zelensky’s request to address the Eurovision Song Contest final was rejected

(CNN) – Request from the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to process Eurovision Song Contest Broadcasters denied the final match in the English city of Liverpool on Saturday.

In a statement posted on its website on Thursday, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), a coalition of public service media organizations that oversees the event, stressed the importance of the “non-political” nature of Eurovision, which is watched by millions around the world. the world.

The European Broadcasting Union added: “This principle prohibits the possibility of making political statements or similar statements as part of the contest.”

The statement continued: “Mr Zielinski’s request to address the audience at the Eurovision Song Contest, while submitted with commendable intentions, unfortunately cannot be approved by the European Broadcasting Union administration as it would be contrary to the rules of the event.”

Had he been allowed to speak at the contest, the Ukrainian leader likely would have continued his style of using speeches at high-profile international events to draw attention to Russia’s gratuitous invasion of Ukraine – and Eurovision would have been a poignant stage to take on. So, given that this year’s contest is being held in the UK because ukraine, Last year’s competition winner and the legitimate host country, Unable to host it due to the Russian invasion.

However, the Union of Ukrainian Broadcasting said it took great pains to ensure that Ukrainian music and culture were featured prominently during the live final and semi-final events, which are hosted by the BBC on behalf of Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC.

The EBU listed the appearances of 11 Ukrainian musical acts, collaborations with a Ukrainian design agency on branding and a series of 37 short films as examples of the “best way” to “express and celebrate winning the Ukrainian Eurovision Song Contest and show that we are united” with music during these difficult times.

And the organizers confirmed last year that the work of Rossi She will not be allowed to compete in the competition, with a statement noting that: “The decision reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s competition would discredit the competition.”