Eurovision Song Contest Bans Russia Due To Ukraine Invasion

It was announced that no Russian contestants would be allowed to compete in 2022’s Eurovision Song Contest after Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine on Thursday.

A governing body for the competition, the European Broadcasting Union announced the decision on Thursday and said the invasion goes against, “the rules of the event and the values of the EBU.”

Their reasoning for the call was that inviting Russia to compete now “would bring the competition in disrepute.” The statement also said, “The EBU is an apolitical member organization of broadcasters committed to upholding the values of public service. 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.

The second day of conflict in the invasion reportedly focused on the country’s Capital city of Kyiv, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told other European leaders Thursday night that he was likely the primary target of Russian forces. The Russian military has seized several strategic locations in Ukraine, including an airport outside Kyiv and the Chernobyl nuclear plant.

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced tougher new sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion but also noted in his speech “These are totally defensive moves on our part. We have no intention of fighting Russia.”