Russia withdraws Eurovision 2017 Julia Samoylova

All hope for Russia’s participation at Eurovision 2017 is now lost. Russian broadcaster Channel One has confirmed they will not broadcast this year’s contest, with Julia Samoylova still banned from Ukraine. At the same time, the EBU has revealed that Russia is “no longer able to take part in Eurovision 2017” as negotiations reached a stalemate.

Russia made its announcement in a press statement via the broadcaster. The statement reads that the EBU has been unable to come to terms with Ukraine’s Security Service, who banned Julia from entering the country in March.

Channel One’s full statement

The First Channel has received a letter from the European Broadcasting Union with the message that the EBU could not resolve the question of participation in Eurovision 2017 for the participant from Russia, Yulia Samoylova. This EBU report makes reference to the decision of the Ukrainian Security Services.

The First Channel finds the Ukrainian refusal completely unreasonable. The reason for it, of course, is Ukraine’s attempt to politicize the contest, whose goal throughout its 62-year history has been to unite people.

The European Broadcasting Union still offers the option of remote participation from Yulia Samoylova or her replacement with another participant. But First Channel has said both options are unacceptable.

A remote performance discriminates against the Russian participant and is contrary to the rules and principles of competition. Yulia Samoylova’s replacement with another artist, in our opinion, cannot even be considered.

In this situation, the First Channel does not consider it possible to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2017.

Channel One again refused in the statement to either send another singer (who has not violated Ukrainian law) or to use the satellite option put forward by the EBU.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs again made their stance clear this morning. In a tweet seen below, they explained that all participants are welcome — provided they “respect” Ukrainian law. The accompanying image specifically lists Julia as being barred from the country.

The EBU has previously mentioned possible sanctions against Ukraine if Russia is unable to participate.

The EBU’s full statement on Russia at Eurovision 2017

Around 18:30 GMT, the EBU finally released its official statement via the Eurovision.tv web site, reiterating that its two options for Russia — a satellite performance or a new performer — had been rejected. The statement said:

“These proposals were to either take part via satellite or to change their chosen artist to one who could legally travel to Ukraine for the duration of the Contest. Sadly both proposals have been rejected by Channel One and they have now announced they do not intend to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. Unfortunately this means Russia will no longer be able to take part in this year’s competition. We very much wanted all 43 countries to be able to participate and did all we could to achieve this.”

Frank Dieter Freiling, Chairman of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, criticised Ukraine’s unwavering position on Julia’s ban.

“We strongly condemn the Ukrainian authorities’ decision to impose a travel ban on Julia Samoylova as we believe it thoroughly undermines the integrity and non-political nature of the Eurovision Song Contest and its mission to bring all nations together in friendly competition. However, preparations continue apace for the Eurovision Song Contest in the host city Kyiv. Our top priority remains to produce a spectacular Eurovision Song Contest with our Member UA:PBC in May.”

What do you think about this latest development with Russia’s participation? Shout out your thoughts on the wiwibloggs app, or in the comments section below.

Follow all of our Russia Eurovision news here

221 Comments
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kex
kex
6 years ago

Russia should be banned forever!

Joseph
Joseph
6 years ago
Reply to  kex

Why? they are an european country they have right to compete

Magpie
Magpie
6 years ago

Let’s be honest here. Eurovision has always been marred by controversy but I think this controversy is going to come with some very nasty consequences, particularly for Ukraine. Yes, Julia was deliberately chosen but were there any artists from Russia that were eligible to participate under Ukrainian law in the first place? Secondly do you think this is over now that Russia has withdrawn? Do you not think that there isn’t going to be some punishment once the contest is over? From what I am reading, the treatment of homosexuals in Ukraine is just as bad as Russia. Is this… Read more »

Ariso Light
Ariso Light
6 years ago

Ukraine thinks they’re a better country than Russia, but they’re just as bad. I hope Russia wins the contest next year so Ukraine can leave. Ukraine says “Russia’s aim was to bring a negative atmosphere” Well Ukraine brought a negative atmosphere first by banning Russia’s singer!

Orla hardy
Orla hardy
6 years ago

Well done Ukraine !!!
Russia and diversity?
How many votes did they give Austria when conchita won? 0
There’s russias view on diversity
They sent a song and singer for political reasons – it’s time for Russia to EXIT for good

Joseph
Joseph
6 years ago
Reply to  Orla hardy

Why? they are an european country they have that right

Bravo
Bravo
6 years ago

Excellent news. The song was terrible and one less Eastern European country giving points to their friends and neighbors.

European
European
6 years ago

Best news ever! Russia should never return!

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

It was a road full of loss for each involved side but in EBU’s eyes Ukraine is still escaping responsibility. So we might see more news on this hackneyed theme.
Another thing I’m wondering – will stream channels be blocked for russians during contest?

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

To be honest I expected that, as no one takes a step back! If they wanted to find a solution they would have found it! Now, it’s too late! In my opinion, Russia should have sent another artist from the beginning, in order to avoid conflict, or simply withdraw. They knew that many Russian artists are banned from Ukraine, so they could find another one to send at Eurovision and it would be ok. Instead, they chose to send Julia, aware of the consequences. That’s how we ended up there. Sad for Julia! Hope she comes back with a better… Read more »

Joseph
Joseph
6 years ago
Reply to  AngieP

Leaving on a side if this law was already existant, why did they even let her get announced on the first place, also probably a 95% or Russian singers have sang one time or another in Crimea, its almost impssible to find an artist good enough for Eurovision that hasnt sang on Crimea

PP
PP
6 years ago

fikri

Russia don t broke qualification streak because they withdraw this year before contest. Same as Romania they withdraw last year

Justitia
Justitia
6 years ago

Political / economic interest and hypocrasy, as usual. Discrimination against Russia is not fair, because every participating country has skeletons in their closet.
What about the apartheid and genocidal Israel?
BOYCOTT EUROVISION!!!!

fikri
fikri
6 years ago

what upsets me the most is with this, russia has broken its final qualification streak. it’s not their fault too!

all hope lies on azerbaijan to continue the legacy…

AberSam
AberSam
6 years ago

@Just me and Allan

Serbia and Kosovo actually have mediocre relations between each other. That’s mainly because both want to be EU members and the EU is making them play nice. So if Kosovo won I would say that there might not be any problems with them hosting, regarding borders that is. Also it’s important to note that Kosovo and Serbia are not in a quasi-war with each other at the moment either.

Krzysztof
Krzysztof
6 years ago

I wonder why some people commenting want EBU sanction Ukraine’s broadcaster. Shouldn’t the Russian broadcaster be sanctioned instead for playing dirty? For me it looks quite clear they just wanted some pretext to not participate (in the ESC held in Ukraine) and they decided to play a victim. I won’t blame any participants or their songs for this situation, like others. It is not their fault. I’ll blame other televoters for not voting Dami Im as much as I did. Anyway, I’m so happy I’ll be in Australia at that time instead, of course because of Dami Im (who should… Read more »

Just Me
Just Me
6 years ago

You have 14 countries which dont recognize Kosovo (Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Moldova, Serbia, Bosnia and Hertzegovina, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belraus, Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Azeribajan). Lets say that all these countries wont give points to Kosvo but Kosovo ends up winning. How will Ksovo host Eurovision? Because if you enter Kosovo through Albania, lets say, from the point of view of the Serbian governmnet you entred Serbia illegaly. Serbia – Kosovo drama bigger than Ukraine – Crimea – Russia drama.

peter dolan
peter dolan
6 years ago

if i made the rules for eurovision i would give russia 2 options
1. send in another song
2. broadcast the competition

if refuse DO NOT COME BACK TO EUROVISION EVER
if russia doesnt get its way this is the result – this is what they do politically also- shut down..

Joseph
Joseph
6 years ago
Reply to  peter dolan

The problem apart if they chose a pollitical based participant, its that in a studie 95% singers of russia have sang in crimea, its impossible find a good enoug for eurovision participant in that, also if that law was in place, why they waited to say it, because they didnt put any objectons the moment the entrie was selected, if that law has alway been that way i would have thought they have a list of person who are banned

jane burke
jane burke
6 years ago

GREAT NEWS!!!! russia knew what it was doing when it sent this song and artist to eurovision at the last minute. Good on ukraine for upholding its values and laws.
EBU is as corrupt- who cares whether RUSSIA competes? since they arrived in the competition it has been nothing but controversy.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/eurovision/10330058/Eurovision-to-change-voting-rules-following-bribery-speculation.html

Jr esc nl
Jr esc nl
6 years ago

@alexander
That happens in checnia. Not russia as a whole

quentin
quentin
6 years ago

Eurodrama is everywhere
– Brexit and maybe Scotland exit from brexit
– Belgium with its regions
– Spain with its regions
Don’t blame Ukraine, if you want love and peace go to the Alma topic and write 200 comments about her english lyrics, but you don’t do that.

anonymous91
anonymous91
6 years ago

i’m happy with this, now at least Romania and Switzerland are performing before both breaks (slots 5 and 13)

and maybe with Russia withdrawing, there might be a opportunity for San Marino to qualify haha

Allan
Allan
6 years ago

Now imagine this: Kosovo debuts next year, sends Era Istrefi, Dua Lipa or Rita Ora with a killer song, wins Eurovision and hosts the following year. What will Serbia do? I guess the Eurodrama will be even bigger than this year!

EUROFAN MEXICO
EUROFAN MEXICO
6 years ago

I AM SO SAD READING TO MUCH BAD AND RACIST MENSAJES JULIA IS IN MY HEARTH AND SHE DONT DESERVE THIS CIRCUS, viva la vida

ESCaddict
ESCaddict
6 years ago

This is a terrible outcome for Eurovision. If anyone thinks it is over now & we can move on, is mistaken. The damage will take years to repair. I am not usually quick to blame the EBU for ESC problems but this mess is their creation. The EBU never should have allowed such a blatantly political song to be entered by Ukraine. It got worse when those politically biased juries sank Russia’s entry at the same time. So many national juries gave Sergey zero points. While some people may say that is fair, I smell a rat and I am… Read more »

quentin
quentin
6 years ago

I like drama and surprises, drama is provided by the host, and surprises hope to be the results that contradict the bookies.
Don’t blame Jamala or EBU for allowing her in 2016, Europe voted for her because Europe likes politics to be involved in ESC, don’t roll your eyes now, you like politics because you voted for it. Don’t pretend that you want ESC to be some calm paradise, because you like drama as hell.

NoPeakIngles
NoPeakIngles
6 years ago

Ukraine is a sovereign state. Why should the interests of a tv show or a deliberately trolling Russia weigh heavier than Ukraines right to maintain its laws?

Hi
Hi
6 years ago

Russia was in my top 3. I love that song. She sing better than many of the other singers. But even that i hate Rusdia and Ukraine. Dont let them be in ESC anymore.

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
6 years ago

Song was terrible anyways. I’m actually disappointed in Russia for sending this kind of quality after doing so well in 2015-2016. If Julia is coming back next year then her song has to be better than Flame Is Boring..ehm..Burning

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

Well, this is hardly surprising given the acrimony and infantile behaviour of both sides. Honestly, both need a time out next year so they can reflect upon their childish actions. Neither party is innocent. “It takes two to tango”, as we say in English. The EBU needs to take strong action to save face. But, will they do it? Unlikely. But, hey, surprise us! Both countries have seriously lost face. 0 points to both!

Vladimir P.
Vladimir P.
6 years ago

Ukrainian believes they won in the dispute, but they’re not even aware how badly this reflects on Ukraine. They really leave the impression of a country full of hatred and intolerance. They don’t deserve Eurovision.

-_-
-_-
6 years ago

I try to be neutral in this issue, but I’ve seen some issues from both parties. Both countries are being stubborn in this case: Ukraine won’t temporarily withdraw the travel ban just for this Eurovision’s occasion. At the other side, Russia won’t accept either of EBU’s proposals, something that is more way feasible. And did Russia do the research about history of their representative?

Steve
Steve
6 years ago

I prefect null points for Ukraine this year.

Cf
Cf
6 years ago

OMG! Which country should Belarus give 12 points to?

Murray A
Murray A
6 years ago

Look I’m going to remain neutral in this
But all I can say is from now on if a country with (let’s face it) permanent conflict zones (Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia – anyone else?) Wins they shouldn’t be allowed to host it in their country. The broadcaster can host it in a neutral country

Justin K.
Justin K.
6 years ago

[@Filip: (in response to my broadcast question) Yes, Romania, last year couldn’t broadcast, but now can participate.] I didn’t really count Romania considering they had reached an agreement with the EBU over their debts *and* they were forced out. This withdrawal is technically voluntary (as was Georgia in 2009, but I’m wondering if their admittance to the political nature of their song was enough for the EBU to forgive their actions). OR I’m wondering if a country withdraws after the participation fees are paid that they’re allowed back in regardless of broadcast. I would think if a country has chosen… Read more »

HBau
HBau
6 years ago

Of course Jamala’s song was political. Doesn’t mean I adore it any less, or her. But it won in the context of the world we live in – the same context that puts Germany last despite not having the worst songs, the same context that means Azerbaijan and Armenia don’t swap points, the same context in which Malta gives the UK most of the ones it does get, the same context in which Greeks and Cypriots proudly tell everyone they’re giving each other 12 year after year. Eurovision is political. Everything is political, and that’s just doubly true for anything… Read more »

Mar
Mar
6 years ago

We all knew this was coming, sooner or later. The only losers here are the EBU, who come out looking like a bunch of incompetent people who can’t solve the problems they themselves helped cause and make empty threats that wouldn’t scare a child. Russia probably got what they wanted, to give Ukraine a headache and make them look bad in front of Europe. Ukraine have got their hosting experience soured significantly?, but they still pulled off a fantastic move of domestic politics by defying both the EBU and Russia and defending their national sovereignty (against a nonexistent threat). I… Read more »

mangou
mangou
6 years ago

I think people are mixing up the seriousness of laws written by a television company and those of a sovereign state.

Starlight
Starlight
6 years ago

Russia should withdraw from the Earth.

SpirK
SpirK
6 years ago

I’m seeing many people blaming Jamala on this one. Either you think Jamala’s song was political or not, the song can be judged as political on it’s structure. As long as Jamala didn’t clearly sing anything about the Crimean annexation or refer clearly to Russia (on the lyrics) I believe that it can’t be objectively judged as political. Furthermore, Jamala didn’t win by herself, Europe gave the win to Ukraine, the European public voted her second in the whole competition, it wasn’t like someone just decided that Jamala will be the winner. It wasn’t the public’s first choice, but it… Read more »

DyGh
DyGh
6 years ago

@Robert a song can be written for ages, it just can’t be publically released. (https://eurovision.tv/about/rules see Criterea and Eligibility, Songs)
Jamala told a story about her history, nothing wrong with that.

fikri
fikri
6 years ago

anyone knows how many viewers eurovision stand to lose from russia not broadcasting the show?

jj
jj
6 years ago

Does Russia get its money back it sent to Eurovision to compete in this contest?

Jamey
Jamey
6 years ago

The EBU members are complete incompetent. They don’t care about corruption in the preselections like Spain this year, and they are unable to solve a problem like this. They think that by giving stupid alternative they’re doing their job. Well, no… they are not. This is way out of hand. ESC2017 is gonna go down as rubbish because of these people in charge. I feel sorry for the artists.

tylos
tylos
6 years ago

I remember that rule too. It must have been dropped before 2010.
Georgia did not broadcast in 2009 over the Putin song being disqualified but they returned in 2010 – and same for Romania as per Filip.

@Justin K
“correct me if I’m wrong or misinformed, but I believe a criterion to participate in the ESC is to have broadcasted the previous year’s Contest. Should Russia choose to forgo the broadcast, this essentially also ‘disqualifies’ them from competing in 2018. Have there been recent exceptions to this rule?”

@filip
“Yes, Romania, last year couldn’t broadcast, but now can participate.”

Ian
Ian
6 years ago

It’s sad that it’s come to this, it defeats the purpose of the unity meant to be put on display by Eurovision…but EBU cannot overstep the laws of the representative country. At least Julia will be back in 2018.

Also, let’s not go into conspiracy theories about Russian planning, or leave stupid comments blaming Jamala of all people (seriously?). It is what it is, let’s move forward.

Emma
Emma
6 years ago

When I will be in Kiev, I absolutely will throw eggs at Jamala’s face! Shame on her! She tricked us, she broke the rules of competition…

Robert
Robert
6 years ago

I am very glad that after a while people finally realized that it was all Jamala’s fault. I knew I wasn’t the only one! And she claims to be innocent after the winning? The EBU made a big mistake because they give her a chance to sing “1944” at Eurovision stage. It was a political song. And only an idiot will think otherwise. – Dear EBU, do you mind if I break one of your own rules? I want to perform my song “1944” at Eurovision stage! But there’s one little problem, my song is political. This song is about… Read more »

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

Ukraines law was a rubbish law in the first place! Who creates a law that bans singers in the first place?? They knew exactly what they were doing. They gave Russia some bait. Russia took it. In doing so – Russia gave Ukraine bait (which they took) and the whole thing is politicising something that’s just supposed to b a nice bit of fun. I’m annoyed!! I love Eurovision! Have done for years and it just feels like it’s being abused

Toni
Toni
6 years ago

Move Eurovision to Berlin!!!

fikri
fikri
6 years ago

well i guess we won’t be seeing ukraine after 2017.

Adam
Adam
6 years ago

People are seriously complaining STILL about Jamala’s win A YEAR AGO? Oh my god…. the pettyness of it all. Get over it – it’s just a contest. There’s no way her win will be nullified a year later. It’s irrelevant, the EBU is 100% focused on 2017, not bringing up something from 2016. You people need to just face reality and move on already because seeing the same weak arguments used over and over again is so old.