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Eurovision 2017: EBU issues statement on Russia's participation

22 March 2017 at 15:18 CET
Satellite dish at the EBU's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. EBU
Earlier today several news outlets reported that the Russian participant in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest, Julia Samoylova, has been banned from travelling to Ukraine. Julia was chosen to represent Russia with the song Flame is Burning.

It has been confirmed to the EBU that the Ukrainian authorities have issued a travel ban on the Russian artist chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, Julia Samoylova, as she has been judged to have contravened Ukrainian law by entering Crimea in order to perform.

We have to respect the local laws of the host country, however we are deeply disappointed in this decision as we feel it goes against both the spirit of the Contest, and the notion of inclusivity that lies at the heart of its values.

We will continue a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the aim of ensuring that all artists can perform at the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv in May.