Volodymyr Zelensky will not be able to make a speech during the final on Saturday

Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to send a message to the public via video during the Eurovision Song Contest final but the organizer of the singing competition said on Thursday May 11 that this would not be possible. “Mr. Zelensky’s request to address the public at the Eurovision Song Contest, although made with laudable intentions, regrettably cannot be granted as it would break the rules of the event”said the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), in charge of organizing the competition.

The decision is indeed motivated by the non-political nature of the international singing competition. “One of the pillars of the competition is the non-political nature of the event. This principle prohibits political or similar statements during the competition”explained the EBU.

A multitude of tributes planned

Ukraine, which won the contest last year, was supposed to host the contest this year but the country had to give it up due to the Russian invasion. The United Kingdom then offered to host the competition. The final, which will be held on Saturday May 13 in Liverpool (north of England), will see 26 countries compete.

A tribute in favor of Ukraine has been planned. Eleven native artists from the country will perform on stage, including Kalush Orchestra, last year’s winner, EBU said. Video clips showing different places in the country will also be shown.

Liverpool also unveiled a “symbol of hope” monument for Ukraine, an aluminum statue of a man holding a book from which a dove escapes with a Ukrainian flag. She is to stay at Strawberry Field, the garden surrounding the Salvation Army orphanage that gave its name to the Beatles’ cult psychedelic song, before being sent to Ukraine when the war is over.

Russia will not be present in the competition since it has been excluded, as in 2022.