Ukrainian officials have expressed disappointment after it was announced today that the Eurovision Song Contest would not be hosted next year in Ukraine as planned due to safety concerns
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed in a statement that it was to their “deep regret” that Ukraine would not be able to stage next year’s competition. The BBC has reportedly been invited to talks by the European Song Contest organisers in the hopes that the UK will stage the event in 2023.
Oleksandr Tkachenko, Ukraine’s Minister for Culture and Information Policy, has expressed disappointment with the decision on Twitter.
Read More: Eurovision bosses confirm talks with UK to host 2023 show as Ukraine ruled out
“Ukraine does not agree with the nature of such a decision - when we were confronted with the fact without discussion or other options. We strongly believe we have every reason to hold further negotiations in order to find a joint solution that will satisfy all parties,” Tkachenko said in a joint statement with former Ukrainian Eurovision winners.
Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra won this year’s competition with their song ‘Stefania’, while the UK secured the runner up spot.
The Ukrainian group later sold their Eurovision trophy at auction for over €800,000. The money was used to supply the Ukrainian army with drones in their continued defence of the country.
The EBU said that the ongoing war in Ukraine meant the country was not suitable for hosting “one of the most complex TV productions in the world.”
However, they promised not to let Ukraine’s win be overshadowed by the new host country.
“It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts,” the EBU said in a statement.
Bookmakers odds predicted that Ukraine would secure a win in the competition.
Kalush Orchestra, a Ukrainian rap group founded in 2021, clinched the public vote for their performance, which combines the genres of rap and folk.
The group thanked fans in their winning speech and announced that they would attempt to fight against the Russian invasion of Ukraine again once they returned home.
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