The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) declined a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make a political statement during the Eurovision Song Contest's Grand Final.
The EBU, which produces the contest, said on Thursday night that it had declined Mr Zelensky's request to speak to the event's audience tonight. He had wanted to make an unannounced video appearance and had been expected to implore the global audience of millions to continue backing his country in its fight to repel Russian invaders.
The EBU said Mr Zelensky had "laudable intentions" but "regrettably" his request was against the rules.
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Their full statement said: "The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show, and governed by strict rules and principles which have been established since its creation.
"As part of these, one of the cornerstones of the Contest is the non-political nature of the event. This principle prohibits the possibility of making political or similar statements as part of the Contest.
"The request by Mr Zelensky to address the audience at the Eurovision Song Contest, whilst made with laudable intentions, regrettably cannot be granted by the European Broadcasting Union management as it would be against the rules of the event.
"The EBU has ensured from the moment it was agreed that the BBC would host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC that Ukraine, its music, its culture, and its creativity would feature strongly throughout all three live shows.
"No fewer than 11 Ukrainian artists, including last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra, will be performing, or featuring in either the Semi-Finals or Grand Final.
"The brand artwork for the event was created together with a Ukrainian design agency and the incidental music featured throughout the show also composed in collaboration with Ukrainian musicians.
"Additionally, 37 locations around Ukraine will feature in the “postcards”, short films that introduce each of the participating artists before they take to the stage.
"We believe that this is the best way to reflect and celebrate Ukraine’s Eurovision Song Contest win and show we are United By Music during these hard times."
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