“This competition is already politicized”, plead Ukrainians disappointed that their president cannot make a speech

In the queue to attend the dress rehearsal for the Eurovision final in public, Friday, May 12 in Liverpool, the Ukrainians are there. Refugees settled in the United Kingdom – the country hosts around 3,000 in total – who benefited from a gesture from the authorities. Tickets at a reduced price were allocated to them to attend the performance of the Ukrainian group Tvorchi, during the 67th edition of the musical competition.

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Heart of Steel, the song with which they will defend the colors of their country at war, is inspired by the siege of the Azovstal factory in Mariupol. But these Ukrainian spectators in sequined vests, who try to forget the Russian invasion for a few hours, do not take full advantage of the party. They did not digest the decision of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) which rejected Volodymyr Zelensky’s request. The Ukrainian president wanted to speak during the final. But at Eurovision, officially, there is a rule: no politics, just music.

“It is not fair, tells us this young Ukrainian woman, flag tied on her shoulders, the war continues, we can’t celebrate and act like everything is fine. And then this competition is already politicized. Last year, Russia and Belarus were excluded”. “It looks like the same decision was made for the Oscars”, adds Volodymyr, 45, from a city now occupied by Russian forces.

“I know the Eurovision Song Contest is hugely supportive of Ukraine. There are rules, I understand, but it would be better if Zelensky could talk.”

Volodymyr, Ukrainian Eurovision spectator

at franceinfo

Many Ukrainians do not want to drag on the controversy. They do not forget the competition and dream of a second consecutive victory for their country at Eurovision. Waiting for, “Slava Ukrainiani!” (“Long live Ukraine”), he says.