Russia Banned From Eurovision 2022 Following Ukraine Invasion

The EBU have announced that Russia will not be allowed to compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest following the country’s military assault on Ukraine. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion against Ukraine on Thursday after months of troop build up around the European nation.

In response, the UK, EU, the US and Australia have imposed sanctions on Russia, and frozen some of the country’s key assets.

Many sporting organisations have also cancelled planned events in Russia, and now organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said that they will not allow Russia to compete in this year’s event.

“The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that no Russian act will participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest,” the organisers statement reads.

“The Executive Board of the EBU made the decision following a recommendation earlier today by the Eurovision Song Contest’s governing body.”

Statement from @EBU_HQ regarding Russia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.https://t.co/HmKJdqVE4J pic.twitter.com/tVH6yFxzbq

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) February 25, 2022