On Friday, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that no Russian act would take part at Eurovision in Turin this year. Less than 24 hours after this decision, all Russian members of the EBU — including VGTRK and Channel One — have announced they are withdrawing from the union.
Russia’s broadcaster VGTRK, whose turn it was to chose the country’s Eurovision act, had not selected an act and had not made any statement regarding a potential selection since September. Earlier, songstress Klava Koka revealed that talks with the broadcaster did not result in anything, while Alexander Panayotov said he did not hear anything from the broadcaster after he sent a bid.
The EBU announced that there would be no act representing Russia following boycot calls from several countries, including Finland and Estonia. The song contest’s organisers added that participation from the Eastern European country would bring Eurovision’s image “into dispute”. That follows the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the death, tragedy and turmoil that it has brought on innocent people.
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
VGTRK and Channel One withdraw from the EBU
Initially staying silent, the broadcasters have put forward a statement in state media saying they decided to end their membership with the EBU following the country’s disqualification at the contest.
This means that the broadcasters can no longer take part in the Eurovision Song Contest and its related events, including the Junior contest, for which the country had already started its selection. Besides the song contests, the broadcaster will cease to have access to sports and live events through the EBU network.
In 2017 Russia withdrew from the contest. This was despite EBU efforts to let their act — Julia Samoylova — participate in the contest in Kyiv. At that time the broadcaster seemed to have made little progress towards selecting an act, revealing Samoylova last moment.
Last year, Belarus, who intended to send a group of pro-government supporters with deeply offensive and politically loaded lyrics, was also disqualified from the contest. BTRC was subsequently kicked out of the union.
I am very sorry for victims of the war, and I feel pity for those Russian people (not citizens), who are not related to the Russian government actions. Indeed, not every Russian deserves such kind of attitude towards them. I thought that European community is more conscious.
True, but Russia (all of it) needs to be punished, including its people who are not capable of standing up to its dictator. Some are trying, but they need to take the capital. They need police to get on their side, and they need to revolt.
Why should the Russian people be punished ?
Obviously you don’t understand life in a dictatorship!
I know that this step is inevitable but I feel kinda sad. After all that struggling through a pandemic together we have now come to this. I hope that – in some far away future – when everything is over and the decent normal russian population managed to pull their country out of the wrong hands we can all return back to how it was. Eurovision was meant as ‘coming together’ and not celebrating over the exclusion of a member state. And I say it once again: I know that this was necessary and I’m totally on board with the… Read more »
Russians who are arrested in the street, protesting, and singers who are also against the war, they want Russia to be punished. Otherwise, they would feel betrayed, if the world does nothing. So stop feeling sorry for nice people, they like that something is done against the regime.
Goodbye babes
#byefelicia
Many Russian musicians oppose these attacks, incluiding ESC contestants like Manizha, Little Big, Julia Samoylova. Anastasia Prykhodko. Elena Temnikova, Natalia Podolskaya and Lena Katina from t.A.T.u.
If a Russian musician wants to compete in the contest, they should not be harmed by the actions of some politicians. May other countries give them chances.
Musicians are part of their country. When government is screwing up all citizens feel a discomfort from the sanctions.
Given the sentiments against Russia at the moment, I think if somehow Russia was allowed to send an entry, it would not be fair for the Russian artists… Because the Russian artists participating will definitely be booed on the stage (remember the Russian twin years back?) and the Russian delegation’s safety will probably be in jeopardy. Additionally they would hardly get any votes from the other countries, so there’s no point in sending an artist to the competition.
The Soviet-era version of a broadcasting union was the OIRT, which effectively merged with the EBU in 1993. However, the members involved in each union were very different in 1992 compared to 2022. What is happening now generally feels like something (or someone) is undoing 30 years of history. It’s very sad to see the broadcasters go, and I’m aware that they may have had no choice. The question now is: How many other broadcasters will leave?
I can understand this news. I’m just sad about the development.
I had hoped for more unity in the world. Now it seems like the world tears apart since the latest 10-15 years. Not even a common virus could bring us closer.
Humans are tribal by nature, the unity you talk about is sadly a fairy tale.
And the virus is a consequence of this social and economical system (globalism and neoliberalism) that has ruled the world since at least the mid 40s.
Lasha tumbai
#dead lol i thought my #byefelicia was funny. U won that game:-))))
Yesterday, I started a thread I’m now sorry I did, because there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding there. Ukraine is in the middle of an unprecedented invasion, and has to react quickly and fiercely. I support them all the way through, as well as all the brave citizens who are risking their lives to save their country. Based on the early info, I was under the impression that all Ukrainian men have been sent to the battlefield. Thankfully, that’s not true, as many could die before being able to help. Men and women helping in other ways as… Read more »
Sadly, gender equality is just a frase.
gender equality? you guys still don’t understand what is happening while you watch it from your comfy chairs in HD? your nations agreed to do nothing while watching how bully Russia kills 42mil nation at your doorstep. yes, you can house few refugees and send us rusty half-useless anti aircraft manpads but that won’t save us from huge casualties. you can’t even give us old soviet era jets because you’re scared of russian revenge. you prefer to watch how we die by thousands every day and express your concerns about equality. shut up already. be glad it’s not you who… Read more »
I hope you do realize that not every Ukrainian can escape from the country and bullet does not care about gender, age and other metrics. If you so worried about who’s telling the truth, I’ll help you to understand – death does. While you’re worried about men who should escape the death other people will die and will keep dying. Your concern is just white noise, woke bs. We’re pretty much equal now, everyone has same chance to die in Ukraine. worst time for your woke bs ever. especially after recent attempt to blow biggest nuke plant in Europe.
They can have their drugged olympics, intervision, football cups, whatever trophies they might want to give to themselves. The world will do just fine without them. Ukraine was always miles better than them in ESC anyway.
And don’t come back!
The whole world is crying for such a big loss… Bye bye and close the door on your way out!!
If they are withdrawing that fast and never schedule something (from what we know) to present an entry to Eurovision when they had only 2 weeks, that MAYBE does mean that they already knew what was gonna happen and already prepared themselves for that situation. In any case, what is happening is beyond inhuman and can’t be accepted in Eurovision (especially when we know that It has been created as a consequence of the 2nd World War that they took part in). I’m so sad that artist like Manizha, Sergey Lazarev or Little Big that criticized the Russian government will… Read more »
I doubt anyone apart from Belarus and maybe Kazakhstan would want to join Russia’s alternate broadcasting union.
Unfortunately, I would not be surprised to see Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan at least in here
Because Armenia shares a lot with Kyrgyz and Tajiks – ironic this comment coming from an Azeri (Kyrgyz and Tajiks are your kins not ours).
Good riddance. SLAVA UKRAÏNI!
Nah nah nah nah . . . Nah nah nah nah . . . . Hey hey hey . . . Goodbye mother f***ers!
Great, now lock the door so they can’t return if they change their kind.
Azerbaijan, you look nervous today aren’t you…
Azerbaijan is helping Ukraine! They are going to supply gasoline
So there’s 48 points up for play (24 from Armenia and 24 from Azerbaijan) that could go anywhere! Interesting
Armenian jury never gave Russia 12 points aside from 2009, neither did tv-viewers (for example, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013). Azerbaijan’s viewers always gave Ukraine more points than Russia (2008-2014, 2021) with only one exception in 2016. So, as you can see 48 points obviously will be given to Ukraine (viewers’ for sure)
Last time Armenia gave Russia 12 points was in 2015. Since then, the most Armenian jurors have given to Russian entries has been 2 points.
*Philip kirkorov has left the chat.*
*Philip kirkorov has deleted their account.*
Ah don’t worry, he’s obsessed with Eurovision. You’ll see him with the delegation of Moldova or maybe even Bulgaria next year
With him being so friendly with Putin, I wouldn’t be so sure he will be allowed into EU – or any civilised country – next year.
Happy that Dima Bilan, Putin best friend, won’t have chance to compete in the ESC again:)
In the words of Nene Leakes:
“Bi**** Boo Bye”
Goodbye
In other words: 12 pointss less to Moldova 😉
And I would love to see Azerbaijan’s reaction to all this … they also lost their chance of getting 12 points from its own older sister besides loosing cousin Turkey 9 years ago ,,,
A family falling apart who just wanted to joyfully in the shape of music to wash their dirty laundry right in front of our faces … Thank you, but no! Next?
Russia is not Romania…
As a moldovan i couldnt care less about their 12 points. With everything that’s going on i am more scared of an eventual move from the Mad Man that might put my country even more at risk
It’s time to invite Kosovo now.
Do you want Serbia to go lunatic as well? You know Serbia is like the “smaller size” Russia of the Balkans and Kosovo it’s a Crimea over there … We have enough drama on stage. We can let them solve their own sh** away from it.
We need the music of all countries, but let them return when they first change their schizophrenic aggressive government…
EBU wanted all these newborn countries to join in and fill in the huge ESC stage with energy and madness to keep away the memory of the not so popular 90s … But for some choices, there are always prices to pay … and this is just one of those many prices … We allowed these babies to wash their dirty dippers in front of us. When Eurovision began all those 7 nations were already moving on from WWII and growing further from those dark days. These new countries (or some of them) have no clue what that even means,… Read more »
Bye bye, we all ready miss you(not)
BEST NEWS EVER, WOOHOO
I wasn’t too crazy about “Uno” and “Russian Woman” anyway.
Russian warship, f*** off!
Bye Felicia.
Had to check if it was 1 April today… But it really is true, great news!
Russia has contributed with several great entries through the years, but this had to be done! Hope I wont see them again until Putin is gone and the country hopefully has become more democratic!
Glad they pulled out themselves, they saved the rest of Europe a lot of headaches
bye trash
Unnecessary rude.
Not as rude as bombing people’s homes.
That’s something that Israel also does, now and then… And nobody says a word about it.
Enough with Israel. You are not funny anymore, just annoying .
So you have 0 problems with the fact that P@*estinian terrorists intentionally use people homes as rocket launching pods. Right? That is 100% fine with you. It just shows what kind of person you really are. You don’t care about peoples lives, you are mad that the Jews are able to fight now.
Believe me, don’t defend Israel. I’ve seen people siding with Israelis just to be betrayed mercilessly.
Ukraine has been bombing its own citizens homes for 8 years.
Russia is helping Assad and Lukashenko to kill their own citizens for many years. So now it’s suddenly a bad thing to kill your own citizens? You should really sort out your moral values honey. Beside the fact that Ukraine is obviously not “bombing its own citizens”.
Off you go with your disgusting communist propaganda and hilariously overrated lame songs you love to keep sending, Lazarev and Gagarina fully included.
Huh? What does communism have to do with this violent Russian aggression? What Putin represents right now is way closer to fascism/nationalism but has nothing to do with communism,
Does that mean that people from Russia can’t vote at eurovision?
No, they already wouldn’t able to vote since they are not participating.
They’ll be limited to just hacking other nations’ televotes.
People in Russia can vote?
People *in* Russia, no. But Russian people living in other countries definitely could.
Fantastic News
Countries that threat with nuclear attack need to be isolated as much as possible!
Then what to do with the country who actually USED nuclear weapon not just threatened?
I’m pretty sure they’re not allowed to take part in Eurovision.
“World stays united with Ukraine!
Who helps us financially?”
– Poland – 950 mln USD
– France – 300 mln EUR
– Norway – 30 mln USD
– United Nations – 20 mln USD
– Czechia – 12 mln EUR
– Lithuania – 1.8 mln EUR
THANKS
These numbers are blatantly false and come from nowhere, lol… and even if they were true, whatever money Poland has comes from the EU and the billions of € they receive in development funds.
Ur russian troll??
Origin: Dimko Zhluktenko (official twitter)
Advocate at Portainer from Ukraine.
“The National Bank of Ukraine suspended most foreign exchange transactions today (February 24) as Russian forces invaded the country. Poland’s central bank today offered the NBU a 4 billion zloty (approximately $950 million) currency swap line. The National Bank of Poland said it would support its Ukrainian counterpart. The Ukrainian hryvnia fell sharply against foreign currencies, reaching 29.78 against the dollar earlier today from around 27.30 at the beginning of the year. The NBU said”.
Origin: Central Banking (official site)
“The Board of the National Bank of Poland has decided to provide the National Bank of Ukraine with $950 million in a currency swap, Ukraine’s NBU press service reported. “Relevant funds will increase Ukraine’s international reserves. The National Bank of Ukraine is grateful to its colleagues for their support and trust,” the NBU said”.
Origin: Kyiv Independent (portal)
sorry, but things have changed and currently poland pays more into the eu, than getting from it… especially that most of this money comes back to countries like germany nl france austria
Poland received 13 billion € from Brussels in 2020 – more than any other EU member. And just so you have a comparison: Greece received the second most money – merely 6 billion.
Isn’t that the whole goal of the EU? Collective development and trade between European nations. You’re mad about one of the major reasons the EU exists.
Lithuanian here. Helping Ukraine is a massive strain on our economy, but we still do it. And will continue. It’s embarrassing that the richest country in Europe – Germany is not on this list.
Edit: Germany agrees to send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger missiles to help Ukraine.
Embarrassed by their neighbours into doing less than Belgium or The Netherlands have done.
Still dragging the chain on kicking Russia from SWIFT too.
Shame, Germany.
Austria is sending truckloads of FFP2 masks to Ukraine. This isn’t an Austrian version of Babylon Bee or Onion…
You get 30 mln from Sweden every year since you became a democracy.
Finally we got rid of that irritating “And the12 points from Belarus go to… to… to… to… RUSSSSSIAAAAA!!!”
And 12p from Azerbijan…
So does this mean that Russia will be gone from the contest for a long time like Turkey and Hungary? It’ll be really sad if this is the case even though I do agree it was the right decision by the EBU not to let Russia compete. Russia has sent great songs to the contest and their presence in the contest will be missed. I don’t know whether another country could fill that void or if the EBU can convince a non-participating country to return.
Russian entries were in my personal top 10 for three consecutive years now, but the invasion their country is doing right now outweighs their potential musical contributions. I am sad for the Russian musicians too, but it had to be done.
Russia can be back next year if they overthrow Putin and get back on track of becoming a sane country. Which is not that unlikely.
The only aspect I’m not supporting the Ukrainian government in is banning adult men from crossing borders! We can’t talk about gender equality in trivial things and then prohibit one from saving their bare life based on gender! Men, just like women, should have an option to stay safe, and with their families. Those who choose to fight are heroes indeed, but not everyone is made for that. I know that the alarming state has made them do this measure, but sadly, vast majority of these men will probably be of no use on the battlefield, but to be cannon… Read more »
I get where you are coming from, but I guess in a time of National crisis, many things can happen, good and bad in the heat of the moment.
I’m sure after all this, depending on when that is, and who will make it through, I’m sure Ukrainian authorities will examine the overall situation and how they responded to it.
I understand their situation, and there is some gravitas in making an extreme decision in extreme times. However, I think this does more damage than use. Majority of active defense will be done by professional soldiers and those whose passionate goal is to fight back. People who are forced to participate in active defense won’t be of much use but to have a seemingly bigger number. If anything, they might be in a way of the battle, if soldiers decide to risk their lives to save others. Aside that, it’s one of the oldest sexist practices that must stop! I… Read more »
In case of a militar invasion, most countries would do the same.
And if so, all of them would be wrong. I really don’t want to hear another word about gender equality if anyone would stand by the situation in which worth of BARE LIFE is decided by gender.
I agree, all volunteers are heroes! Men and women who fight for their country ARE heroes! The only difference being that women have a choice that is denied to men. Maybe some are ill. Maybe some are the only carers of their children or elderly parents. Maybe some have various physical or mental conditions that would make them useless on the battlefield and only needless cannon fodder. Things are indeed beyond complicated, but I think that human life (every human life, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity) should be able to choose safety.
no one forces every man to fight. bed-ridden elderly or disabled people need food and meds, cities need fortifications or simple security cameras check to monitor peace and order. even coward man can help their country by working as support to civilians who can’t get usual help from social workers (women). saying they can’t do even this simple task is like saying they are too coward to be Ukrainian. I’m female, I stay at my home and I feed strays every morning because they have to eat, war or not. I can’t just run and let cats die from hunger.… Read more »
Calling men who HELP in humanitarian aide “cowards” is unacceptable and low, as well as incredibly sexist! I am glad that noone is forced on the front-lines, though. Good to know. That said, stay safe and live! Feeding strays is admirable. Ukraine is in my thoughts.
PS. Sorry for speaking a little harsh, considering the situation you are currently in. You are obviously a hero, but so are the men doing exactly the same thing as you. You can’t have one criteria for men, and other criteria for women. You are all doing the best thing to save your country. Those leaving *without taking care of their family and those around them* are probably cowards, but as I said, there is a plethora of reasons why one would decide to leave. One of them being taking care of their own family. Just like mothers who do… Read more »
I’m no hero. I’m scared to go outside but I have to. I have obligations, my own obligations (no one is forcing me to pay for food and to deliver it to strays). Sure, people can have reasons to flee (especially if it’s a mother with kids or elderly people who can’t protect themselves). But I believe there’s absolutely no reason for any healthy adult, be it man or woman to be a coward and flee. stay hidden, avoid danger and do what you can, even if just very little. This is our land and if everyone will run away… Read more »
I cannot even imagine how tough it must be! I am wholeheartedly with Ukrainian citizens to win this! Ukraine is your homeland, and defending it is a noble cause. I just think that men helping behind the scenes are just as admirable as women who do it. Laws should allow anyone, regardless of gender, to choose the way to help their family, friends, and country when in danger. Take care.
thank you. I hope it will end soon and we’ll resume our normal lives.
and about that “sexist” thing. Colin, this country is sexist, we women are oppressed by low salary and other classical “benefits”. yes, I say this is the pay day for all those coward men. they should feel how cool is that to be “oppressed” because they are men. probably they will have time now to reflect on sexism in our society and next time we’ll see their real support in efforts to eliminate it.
I realize that. Sadly, most countries are, at least to a degree. Especially in Eastern Europe (I’m from Croatia, and I see how patriarchy is harmful to women). Sure, many of these sexist men deserve a wake-up call, but there are certainly a lot of ally men who are just as scared and helpless now, and we should all be there for each other when that happens. Overall, women should get far more share in politics and governing, and men should support that.
so far no one is forced. to be honest I’m surprised to see long queues of men to sign up with city defense. we have no weapon left, everything is distributed and there are still guys and girls who want to participate but left in reserve. I doubt we will need to forcefully conscript people who wants to avoid it. if they don’t feel like fighting, they can just hide in shelters or do whatever they want. men are still allowed in bomb shelters 🙂 just kidding.
I agree. Woman should fight, too. Not every man is strong and made for war and fighting. Not every woman is weak and needs to be protected. Everyone who can use a weapon should protect the country.
everyone has to decide if they have it in them. it’s not about gender or physical power. but don’t get the wrong idea. there are plenty of safe places in the country. all towns are fully controlled and only some places are in danger. everyone who flees can just drive 1 hour into different part, probably rural towns in center, and be safe. they don’t need to run from country to stay safe.
I don’t think it’s a gender thing. Just like in a ship they say « women and children first » it’s about protecting the future. Children cuz they embody it, and women cuz they are able to bare it. That’s why they’re allowed out. And you also let old people out for protection. That leaves adult men that are required not to leave Ukraine at its worst hour.
”Women and children first” on a ship is a century old practice, abandoned around the beginning of the 20th century. Today, no such law is in practice. While there’s no explicit rule of order, it’s the most vulnerable passangers who usually board first, children, injured, and very old. And it *is* about the gender. It’s about the antiquated idea that there’s only one way for men to be tough and strong (direct battle). It’s the same patriarchy that brought us the dated idea that women should be doting wives and mothers before anything else. It’s not helpful to anyone not… Read more »
The Russian army seems to be all men… is that something to consider?
It’s hard to forget how Russian soldiers treated women when they were fighting in World War Two.
”It’s hard to forget how Russian soldiers treated women when they were fighting in World War Two.” Absolutely true! My stomach hurts just thinking about that… Then again, men weren’t treated any better. Most were murdered on spot, or starved to death. Everyone suffered in the hands of ruthless enemies.
PS. Not saying *more women* should have stayed on the front-line! Of course not! I’m saying no civilians, male or female, are usually helpful on the battlefield, and the idea that all men are inherently good in a direct battle is sexist and dated.
I was thinking mostly of what the soldiers did to the women of Germany in 1945. Two million of them. I’m not sure they’d agree that the men weren’t treated any better.
Anyway, I would hope that the Russian soldiers of today are at least not like that. I know a lot of them don’t even want to be there, it is the law. I’d still worry, though. They still seem to be all men, at least from what I have seen.
Of course, I hope what I have just said is completely stupid and not at all like what is happening in Ukraine.
I very much hope so too, as doing that to anyone is unforgivable. Those soldiers in 1945 should have been treated as war criminals after doing that to those German women.
PS. But okay, since reportedly men are able to decide whether they’ll go in direct defense battle or help in other ways (by providing medical help, suplies, feeding the injured, communications, ect), the order is not *as bad* as I thought when writing my first post. The ideal solution would be to let through those caring for small children, elderly, and those too frail to remain, leaving as many able-bodied adults to provide aide from the back lines. However, I realize that the sudden situation has made it tough to make such an elaborated plan. But if there was more… Read more »
Reading between the lines, I don’t think they were planning on sending anyone to Turin anyway. The probably knew the invasion would result in sanctions and exclusion from international events. Not a big loss for the EBU anyway. These are nothing more than propaganda mouthpieces anyway and the EBU is better off without the association to them. Hopefully in the not too distant future, a new public broadcaster, representing a free, fair,equal, outward looking peaceful, transparent and democratic Russia can join the EBU, thus bringing a new Russia to the Eurovision. Until then though, don’t let the door hit you… Read more »
Bye bitch
Byeeeeee…
First Belarus, now Russia. Great! Even though I think politics shouldn’t be involved, this is a big things that’s happening and I think action like this was needed. Now, my question is why Israel and Azerbaijan are not hold responsible and kicked out as well? There must be an end to Israeli and Azerbs terror.
Because it’s about broadcasts and governments using them to spread their propagandas and misinformations. It is not about the governments actions cause Eurovision is held by the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) !
I wonder how Western European far right voters who vote for Putin puppets (like Le Pen) feel about the latest developments…
https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-european-pals-eat-their-words-marine-le-pen-eric-zemmour-matteo-salvini-milos-zeman-alex-salmond-gerhard-schroder-boris-johnson-jean-luc-melenchon-francois-fillon-viktor-orban/
Surely the clue should be that they have a chance to vote in elections which aren’t rigged
Now we all should make a deal , nobody will use any Kirkorov/Dream Team song from now on.please 🙁
Less kirkorov cheap pop songs is always good!
Yo are so right…..
Russia was always so funny. They keep on saying “booh, western decadence, West is evil buuh” and then they keep on sending cheesy American Pop songs in English !!! “booooh gays” and then they send Tatu – two lesbians kissing. And they straight up queer-baited with Sergey and Dima 🙂 To me they were always overrated: the songs were all horrible. The only good song was Manizha last year and maybe Song 1 Serebro. I won´t miss them or their cheap cheesy US-pop at all.
They’ve been trolling Eurovision for years and many fans where lapping it up at the time.
I honestly felt last year, Manizha was the first genuine Russian entry at Eurovision. I really thought it was a positive step forward, though I guess not.
I recently discovered their debut entry from 1994, I know that’s achent history, but what do you think of that?
The song, the singer… the dress… all wonderful, probably their best ever.
The grannies from 2012 were the best imo. They showed to the whole Europe an authentic folklore of one of the almost 200 ethnic groups oppressed by Putin’s regime. They brought a language which is becoming extinct because of the same Pu’s regime, to Eurovision stage. I will forever have the biggest admiration and respect for them out of all Russian ESC acts. I wish all indigenous communities of Russia, their cultures and languages resist and survive till they can get free of the opression and rise strongly and show their beauty to Europe too…. Sadly I know that’s unrealistic… Read more »
Just as the EBU was starting to have the meeting to expel Russia’s membership from the EBU, Russia’s broadcasters decided to yeet themselves out and save everyone else the trouble. Yep, we’re definitely not going to see them back for a while.