Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky won't be making a speech at this year's Eurovision as his request has been blocked by the EBU. This is due to the 'non-political' nature of the event.
Zelensky, 45, wanted to make the address during the final but the‘The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show and governed by strict rules and principles which have been established since its creation,’ their statement begins.‘This principle prohibits the possibility of making political or similar statements as part of the contest.’The EBU then commended Zelensky for his ‘laudable intentions.
‘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 UK is hosting the Eurovision song contest on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine, whose victory came from Kalush Orchestra’s Stefania.UK entrant Sam Ryder placed second behind Kalush Orchestra, and so Liverpool have the honour of hosting.
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