The Eurovision Song Contest will not allow any Russian contestants to take part in this year's Song Contest.
The European Broadcasting Union followed a recommendation by the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body.
Releasing a statement on their decision, the EBU wrote: "The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that no Russian act will participate in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
"The Executive Board of the EBU made the decision following a recommendation earlier today by the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body, the Reference Group, based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU."
It continued: "The Reference Group recommendation was also supported by the EBU's Television Committee. 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.
"Before making this decision the EBU took time to consult widely among its membership The EBU is an apolitical member organization of broadcasters committed to upholding the values of public service."
The statement concluded: "We remain 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."
Their decision comes after multiple countries called for Russie to be removed from the yearly competition.
Netherlands, Iceland, Estonia and more issued statements regarding the situation.
Estonian Public Broadcasting board chairman Erik Roose said he contacted the EBU to talk about Russia ’s involvement in the contest.
He explained: “Obviously, it is inconceivable that Estonia will participate in Eurovision in a situation where Russia participates but Ukraine does not.
“Apparently, our colleagues from other Baltic countries are of the same opinion. We will continue to communicate with the EBU as the organiser of the song contest.”
The Finnish Broadcasting Company, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros, Denmark and Norway also joined the calls to remove Russia
Eurovision Song Contest 2022 is due to take place in Turin, Italy.
Last year, Italian rock band Maneskin won the competition with their song Zitti E Buoni.
On Thursday, Eurovision initially said Russia was allowed to perform this year before banning them barely 24 hours later.
Their previous statement said: "The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political cultural event which unites nations and celebrates diversity through music.
“The EBU’s public broadcaster members in both Russia and Ukraine have committed to participating in this year’s event in Turin and we are currently planning to welcome artists from both countries to perform in May.
“We of course will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
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