Eurovision bans Zelensky’s speech at the festival, UK Prime Minister reacts

Sputnik – As last year’s winner, Ukraine was supposed to host the event, but with the struggle going on, the organization decided to hold the edition in the United Kingdom. This year, Zelensky was also banned from speaking at the Academy Awards.

The Eurovision Song Contest organizers prevented President Vladimir Zelensky’s speech from being released this year. It was reported that Zelenskiy wanted to appear on video in the competition’s final game on Saturday, in front of an expected global audience of 160 million.

But in a statement on Thursday (10), the event rejected the president’s request, despite his “good intentions,” arguing that the act would violate his political neutrality.

“The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show, which is governed by strict rules and principles. As part of this, one of the pillars of the competition is the non-political nature of the event. This principle prohibits the possibility of making the event political or the like,” said the excerpt from the statement published by the organizers and quoted by the BBC. BBC”.

Follow up on recommendations

Ukraine was scheduled to host Eurovision this year after winning last year, but it is being held in Liverpool after the start of the Russian operation.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was quoted by the media as saying he was “disappointed” with the festival’s decision. Its spokesperson said that Eurovision “acknowledged this last year” by banning Russian performers from participating.

But he added that the prime minister had no intention of interfering and asking broadcasters to change their minds.

Zelensky was also banned from speaking at the Oscars this year for the second time in a row, as the US organizers made the same arguments.