Ukrainian leader Zelensky is not allowed to give a speech during the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday.
The Times of London reports that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is organizing the competition, rejected Zelenskyy’s request, citing it as “politicizing” the event.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show and is governed by strict rules and principles that have been established since its inception. As part of this, one of the cornerstones of the competition is the non-political nature of the event,” an EBU spokesperson told the Times. “This principle prohibits the possibility of making political or similar statements as part of the competition. Mr Zelenskyy’s request to address the public at the Eurovision Song Contest, although made with laudable intentions, unfortunately cannot be granted as it would be against the rules of the event.”
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest, held in the British city of Liverpool, will be a joint effort between Ukraine and the UK following last year’s victory. Traditionally, the winner of the contest hosts the contest the following year, but due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EBU deemed it impossible for the country to host. The UK, which finished second last year and has been a strong ally of Ukraine in the fight against the ongoing Russian invasion, was selected as backup to Ukraine to help organize it.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Zelenskyy, who was an actor before becoming a political leader, has become as well known for his savvy media performances as his wartime leadership, with VT appearances at events such as the Grammys and the Golden Globes.
Pictured above: President Zelenskyy gives a speech at the Golden Globes.