Ever since Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra raised the Eurovision winner’s trophy last Saturday, talk has been focused on whether the country can successfully host the contest in 2023.
On Monday, during a press conference in the city of Lviv, the head of Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC made it clear that he and his colleagues will do whatever they can to bring the contest to Ukraine.
Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of the network, said that direct consultations will begin with the European Broadcasting Union this Friday.
Will Ukraine host Eurovision 2023?
“I want to congratulate everyone on this victory,” Chernotytskyi said. “It is so great that Ukraine has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time, that we are joining the European family as much as possible. I am very grateful to Kalush Orchestra and its frontman, Oleh Psiuk, for doing their best to prepare and perform in this difficult time. I am infinitely grateful to Oksana Skybinska, the head of our delegation from Suspilne, who also withstood all these burdens and arranged all organizational things to make our presentation at the Eurovision Song Contest at the highest level.”
He added that the Ukrainian delegation will start planning and prepping for Eurovision 2023 immediately.
“We received fantastic viewing indicators both on television and on digital platforms, broadcast by Radio Promin. Now we face another challenge – to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Ukraine. If in other countries this concerns the matters of infrastructure and funding, in our country, for sure, we also have an important security factor. And I can announce that on Friday we are starting consultations with the European Broadcasting Union about hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.”
Chernotytskyi is being realistic. He acknowledged that pulling the song contest off is a lot more complicated than simply having the desire to welcome Europe.
“We are doing our best, and I hope that the state will also support us in holding the Eurovision Song Contest here. I hope that the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in peaceful Ukraine. However, I am saying once again that the security factor is important and the final decision will be taken together with the European Broadcasting Union. It will be a difficult negotiation, I am already sure of that. However, let me remind you that even in 2017, when the Eurovision Song Contest took place in Kyiv, there was quite a big discussion. For example, then Ukraine pledged the so called financial guarantee of 15 million euros. In case something suddenly goes wrong, another country would hold the competition with these funds. Therefore, this issue is much more complex than just a wish. I am convinced that we need to do all our best so that the Eurovision Song Contest should take place in Ukraine.”
Oleh Psiuk, who led Kalush Orchestra to their historic victory, shares the broadcaster’s hopes.
“Many countries have already conveyed the message that they can host the Eurovision Song Contest if we do not succeed. But I hope that we will host the Eurovision Song Contest in a happy, rebuilt and strong country.”
What do you think? Are you excited that Ukraine will give it a go? Would you be willing to travel to Ukraine next year? Let us know what you’re thinking down below.
as if we don’t know that Ukraine will not host the show but they will work with EBU on the country that will host it. I guess Ukraine will pick UK if BBC wants or Poland if BBC wants.
I’d love to see Lithuania or Poland to be honest.
UK and Spain will win in the near future so they should save money..
If Ukraine chooses it will Poland 100% or Great Britain
will be*
How Ukraine, in all good conscience, can even SUGGEST hosting the event considering vast swathes of the nation are in ruins, there’s millions of its citizens displaced in other countries and is still firmly at war is rediculous. Get real, Ukraine – focus on getting your nation back on its feet and forget about hosting the ESC!
we can do both
I think Ireland should host it seeing as we are the most successful. No seriously, I can’t see Ukraine being able to host it next year. Even if the war stopped now there would be still too much uncertainty. It could all kick off again next year just before they are due to host it and then what happens. It would be much too late for another country to host at the last minute. Plus spending millions to host while trying to rebuild a country wouldn’t look very good.
I am now against Ukraine hosting 2023 in their country as I think that any potential venue will become a target for that evil dictator next door with his illegal war.
Ukraine should still host but in a different country
Just host it in USA since apparently U.S. considers Ukraine their 51st state because they just approved $40 billion of American tax money to go to Ukraine aid while Americans drown in student debt and lack access to health care.
you have 0 compassion
Ukraine it must be! It is still a year away and the war will probably have ended by then. And if not, Lviv is relatively safe. It will be a good signal to the rest of the world that Ukraine can do this.
It shouldnt just be relatively safe. It should be fully safe.
Eurovision WAS in Ukraine when we had war and everything was ok! We had war on the East for 9 years
I get everybody’s suggestions w/ some other country hosting and both this country and Ukraine being emphasised in postcards and rest of the production. However, I have another idea. Like, what an idea would it be, instead of having a national flag in Eurovision logo in 2023, having an EU flag! EBU must organise Eurovision in Bruxelles. Postcards and the show must honour one, single, but inclusive European culture that gives the messages of anybody wishing that can be Europeans! It would also honour the possibility of future EU-enlargements to Ukraine, and beyond, a free and democratic Belarus, Turkey, a… Read more »
This is absolutely the second dumbest comment I ever saw on this website….
It’s easy to call out people dumb! It’s not at all kind to say that.
Your opinion is nice, but :
1. not all countries are part of EU (Serbia, Israel, Australia, UK and others)
2. Ukraine wouldn’t want that. They will want to be the cherry on the cake.
But they do share a common European identity in the end. I don’t get the point that Eurovision “must” be hosted by a nation.
Guys, how much hate towards me and the idea of a federal Europe! It’s really sad to see all of that, since we’re having a war actually in our continent.
History, but also actuality, did not happen to teach you anything sadly! Continue with your old sad nationalisms.
Let’s face it : this year didn’t had an act for fans to really mourn. I wonder what Sobral is saying, or what he would have said if he were to lose to Kalush.
What fun it’ll be to have weeks of needlessly faffing about before the EBU and Suspilne finally come out and say what everybody has known since Kalush Orchestra lifted the trophy on Saturday night – that Ukraine categorically cannot and will not be hosting Eurovision 2023.
Now there is a meme with P-tin talking on the phone, asking presidents from different countries : do you want to win ESC 2023?
The next ESC will take place in Kyiv. Like it was in 2017. It is the best signal we can send out to the world that this country will belong forever to the European family. If you got 439 points from the public, then you have a clear go to organise the next ESC. This will be a historic edition, like the contest of 1974 was for the Portuguese Estado Novo regime. Eurovision can really shape history, so please let’s grab this opportunity and participate with as many fans as possible next year. EBU could arrange security guarantees in the… Read more »
Yeah sure, because Putin is known for being trustworthy when it comes to any kind of arrangement…
This is absolutely the dumbest comment I ever saw on this website….
Zdob’n’Zdub are this year’s KEiiNO. Without jury and war, Moldova would have won. I know many fans would have hated it, but what a boost would have been for small countries : Andorra, Liechtenstein… Guess we need to get used to countries that can win, but can’t host. It’s alright.
We already had that multiple times in the past, so what’s the big deal, little Kremlin goblin?
What Kremlin has to do with this?
Without points given to all the other 24 entries, Germany would have been the winner so we should clearly host next year! *facepalm*
What I said actually happened many years in the 00’s. My point is that I like underdogs.
Even if they could, I think they shouldn’t. They’ve got a lot more important things to spend money on.
Don’t worry, U.S. will pay for it. They just got a nice package of $40 billion approved by U.S. congress to go to them.
If neither the war can be won before the end of this year, nor are they able to force Russia into a full retreat by the end of the year, I would like to see Poland host. Lviv was my pick for the next stop at Eurovision, upon a Ukraine win; but there was a time when Lviv was inside Poland’s old border and it was known as Lwów. What is Poland’s closest big city without being too close (assuming the war is ongoing)?
And once more, Poland should be rewarded for their generosity toward Ukraine, following Putin’s escalation of his war (make no mistake; this is his war, as he is confronted by hundreds if not thousands of mutineers in his ranks).
It’s was fix them to win first place we all real won this year spaceman
No. The people had a choice, and they made their choice. Period. And this is coming from someone who had Sam Ryder as my #1 all spring.
Don’t waste your time reacting to these trolls. Someone actually named ‘Matthew’ surely would know how to speak English.
Ain’t nobody want a Ukraine-(co)led edition somewhere else in Europe. In fact, Ukraine shouldn’t have participated this year at all. Those guys got lucky, more than an entire month out of military enlistment. Back to fighting guys!
I’d love to see UK host but as a winning nation. I’d be happy with the Netherlands hosting so they can have the fans etc that they missed out on from 2021.
OK, you gave them the trophy after they won the sympathy vote after monts of brainwashing , now its over . They cannot and should not host . Its getting ridiculous now
I think we all know the only brainwashing going on is in Putin’s Russia. And if you believe otherwise maybe go try find some examples of journalists being locked away for reports on the conflict in any Eurovision-competing nations. Spoiler: you won’t find any.
There’s no realistic way in which Ukraine could host the contest next year: it won’t be neither logistically and economically feasible for Ukraine, nor would it be safe, unfortunately.
I believe an agreement will be made with second-placed UK for a contest co-organised somehow between BBC and UA:PBC, with an emphasis on both the UK and Ukraine in the opening and interval acts, or in the postcards.
Totally agree! No chance for Ukraine to host, not only because of financial issues and logistics, but first of all security. Neither EBU nor any other country would send it’s Delegation to the active war zone. And even if the war ends soon (which is of a very low possibility) it would be too late for Ukraine to prepare the contest, as first decisions have to be taken now. Remember that preparations start many months before the show, the host city etc has to be chosen by autumn. Also hotels, airport and other infrastructure play crucial role. So the question… Read more »
I do not agree on this. Kyiv is almost totally safe again at this moment, the city is reviving again. It is the duty of Suspilne together with EBU to find the appropriate safety conditions for next year. A member of UK government already stated on the BBC that he wants to have the next ESC in Ukraine.
In 2019 we could have had the same discussions on Israel. Lots of delegations visit also Jerusalem yearly for the Israel Calling event. Even that is never without any risks.
Get real, dude… You CANNOT host an international festival like ESC in a country at war. It’s literally uninsurabale.
If other country will host, a new drama will start. Ukraine will want to be the princess of the party. If it’s not only about me, me, me they will throw a tantrum. And of course Mr. Z. will give yet another speech.
I can’t agree more.
Another Catsap on the forum?
are you spanish, russian or just stupid?
If the EBU funds it, it could be hosted anywhere secure. I’m of the strong opinion that Ukraine shouldn’t be paying for ESC or worrying about hosting it during a time of war. Of course, no-one knows what will happen over the next year. So the best thing would be to make at least three plans: Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. Let’s see what happens. 🙂
No matter the decision, Ukraine should atleast be involved in the production and other aspects of the hosting. If it is hosted in another country it should be a co-production, it’s only fair. ESC 2023 being more of a melting pot of cultures would be fun, and totally in line with the spirit of uniting Europe in times like this. I would love Timor and Graham Norton (if it would take place in Ukraine) hosting together for example. Or where-ever we may go to. But the split should be 50/50
I’m completely for Ukraine to host it! Even more, I think they should host. Well, they want to participate in the middle of bloody war, they wanted this victory so bad with the mediocre song, as a sign od European support. I suppose you already have a money to host it. So, host it! You desperately wanted this political win, then why should anyone care if you can host it or not.
Agree. Actually they want to host, only EBU can stop them. Let them do it, and see who will come to the party. Solidarity all the way, who gave them simpathy votes, should go to Ukraine.
Well said.
Typical of the UK to assume as we came second that we would co host the show. It’s the decision of Ukraine who they want to host the show…. End of story. Obviously they will get a ticket into the final as winners even though they would have qualified anyway. They always do. Off topic I am saddened by the apathy of our media with regards to our second place in the final. Even though its at number one in the charts I haven’t heard it once on any of the radio stations that play at work. That’s shocking and… Read more »
I dont think anything is assumed it just a given that the runner up should be given the option of hosting, its common courtesy.
Well considering more than 2x the amount of people watched the Eurovision final thanks the FA cup final clearly people do care. 2.2million watched the repeat on m iplayer. I don’t know what you had been watching on the news/radio but Eurovision got a lot more attention than the FA cup final.
and it has fallen to the runner up to host in the past before.
So it isnt a case of the UK to assume they will, there is precident of it happening before where the runner up fills in to host.
Also its not up to Ukraine to decide who would host if they could not.
It would actually be up to the EBU steering committee
It’s happened once before, sixty two years ago. Even then, it was probably just coincidence.
I don’t think its quite fair saying people are “assuming” the UK would co-host. I know lots of people are putting it forward as an idea or a solution.
BTW Still playing Sam on radio 2 , also my local station. Sam was on the Zoe Ball breakfast show on Monday morning, and he has just been announced as an act at the Jubilee concert
Whoever the host, can William and Deban be the presenters please? Let’s do thisss!
How about no.
Seriously, Ukraine is NO option.
UK is next in the list and they are willing to host ESC.
Maybe Ukraine winning was a good thing after all. You’ll see their true colors. I want them to host. You voted, you take their antics.
Actually that’s a good idea. Every competing act has to come up with a 5-minute presentation about the city they will host at should they win. Then the audience will vote based on that instead of the song…
As if Ukraine won because of the song.
No matter how I look at it, it’s ridiculous for Ukraine to host Eurovision. Even IF the war is over by next year, they have far more important stuff to worry about and fund. Is there even going to be a functioning venue and airport? And of course, the question of security, which is the most important…
I’d say the best choice for hosting is Poland – they have been a great help to all Ukranians and have shown interest in hosting. Other than that – maybe the UK since they did officially finish second.
I think it will be in Germany. UK was 2nd but they’re milions of Ukrainians in Poland do that’s close. And I don’t think Poland would want to pay for it. Nor Big 5 would sponsor it happening
We would not support Germany as a host due to their politics sorry
Oh that’s right. Just tried to think of Big 5 country that’s the closest.
We are lucky if Germany doesn’t withdraw. They must be upset, like they were in 1996. Why would they care, if Europe treats them as dirt?
Germany is the only country that took part in all editions and they wouldn’t ever withdraw because of their deep commitment to anything remotely European. Their HoD already confirmed their participation in 2023. Also, NDR’s big boss said the Main goal was to ‘just don’t win it’, so it’s highly unlikely they’d even propose to spend millions on hosting it as other countries have done. Furthermore, nobody in Germany is mad at Europe, because everybody knows only NDR is to blame for series of last place results. So, in a nutshell, you have no clue at all. You’re just a… Read more »
Requirements by EBU needs Ukraine doing a miracle. They have to rebuild an airport, enough accomodations (I read some hotels were attacked), buy hundreds of busses, plus I don’t know in which conditions the 2017 venue is. It’s a huge challenge, plus the main one whick is security.
I don’t think this should even be an option. Did they deserve the win? Yes, but even if the war ended today, all the money and efforts should go towards rebuilding the country. But the thing is that the war won’t end today and will continue for who knows how long. It can be months or longer.
Now they one the contest twice on political and compassion … maybe is time the contest to extend to give Rwanda , Syria , Afghanistan some awards as well . Don’t get me wrong but this contest should be musical based with all the respects to Ukraine who should be helped differently not by giving them some musical awards.
it has never been about music only
Poland seems a logical choice. Lublin or Krakow anyone? Let the EBU fund it. The short video clip before each song can show what Russia did to Ukrainian cities so the world can see what the Orcs did and never forget.
What do you mean, “let the EBU fund it” – Where does the EBU get its money from? The member broadcasters! Dumb comment.
I want to see European culture and solidarity. The best idea for the postcards for example, regardless where the contest will be held, would be something along the lines of the Dusseldorf 2011 edition, where simple people from each participating country living in Germany was the main theme.
Even though Ukraine won this year. I think they should just leave ESC for a while. Economically, they need to focus on the war instead of song competitions.
We are capable of making those decisions for ourselves and we want to participate.
But you also need to understand that this competition is not only about Ukraine. There will be 39 other countries involved and they want to ensure that all their delegations are safe and feel safe, which is not something Ukraine unfortunately can guarantee at the moment.
I agree when it comes to hosting, but this comment was about psrticipation
*participation
i think a mix of both would be great! Like for the postcards , they could show off the country with a bit of ukrainian in the mix 🙂
Or why not do a mixture of both cultures, If Ukraine ends up cohosting with another country? Let me put up a hypothetical situation. Say Ukraine wants to collaborate with the United Kingdom where the contest held in the latter. If the United kingdom and Ukraine are sorted into two different semifinals to vote in, Then one semifinal will highlight British culture for the interval act, the other semifinal Feature Ukrainian culture for that interval act, and the grand final will feature a hybrid of both.
I want to see a mix of both cultures. Ukraine won at the end of the day, we cannot dismiss that.
I think it would be hypocritical for Ukraine to spend so much money hosting a song contest when they’ve got a war to fight, houses to rebuild and innocent mouthes to feed and I feel for them in this situation. That’s why it would be better if another nation that’s safe for the delegations to go to should host the contest with the Ukrainian hosts and artists travelling there for a once in a lifetime collaboration with that country’s host. It should be a country with a lot of money to spare, preferably a Big Five member. Oh wait. We’ve… Read more »
The UK have a lot of money to spare? Do NHS workers know this?
Will war be over til next year? Opinions?
Not at at all. At the slightest chance however, I would give the Russian troops to abandon almost every operation until late December.
Russia wants the Donbas. If Ukraine hands the region over to Russia, the war is over.
Ukraine won’t give them up, so, Russia will continue their operation. Meaning, the war won’t end until one side is completely destroyed. That could take years.
Unfortunately it’s just not the time for Ukraine to host. I’d say the top 3 countries to host would be the UK (because they came second and easily have the infrastructure to step up), Spain (came third and have been very vocal about their willingness to host) and Poland (because they are very culturally tied to Ukraine and may be the best country to team up with should Ukraine be able to do so).
Also if it is hosted somewhere other than Ukraine, they still deserve to be an automatic qualifier
The main issue is security because broadcasters won’t consider sending delegations until security is confirmed, and something occurring in an unsafe area could spread to a previously safe area. A Big 5 country would be the best because you don’t have to think about if both the host and winner should automatically qualify. The UK (BBC has not confirmed, 2nd place) or Spain (confirmed, 3rd place) should be the contenders to host because they are both big 5 and had top 3 placings. France could also be a good choice as they were 2nd in 2021, and another big 5.… Read more »
Speak for yourself. IMO the 2021 edition was the all-time best edition of the contest that I have experienced live. And I’ve been following the contest since the mid-80s.
I agree , 2021 was amazing , the postcards showed off the country at the same as making it about the artist , the songs were pretty good , it was hard to decide a winner , hosts were great , production was great ,everything was so so good
EBU pushed this win by making Eurovision overtly political. It got to the point where it was NOT about picking the best song, but it was solely about “standing with Ukraine”. It’s interesting how ESC fans have accepted the show being used as a P.R. stunt by not questioning these manufactured results. Now it’s up to EBU to live with their decisions and host the show in a warzone. Even if the war ended today, does anyone really want to be somewhere where recently thousands of people have died and now hosting the biggest music celebration in the world. At… Read more »
Can’t edit my post : [Correction] At least there should be some “time” for people to mourn and the casualties to be properly identified and buried.
It’s all propaganda, that’s what they care about the most
Ok great Ukraine has won and it’s a great symbol for sure but let’s be realistic the priority now in Ukraine is not to host a contest that costs several millions of euros when the country is destroyed and you have to rebuilt it before everything else, you have to help the victims of this war before everything else. The war is not done now unfortunately so you really think that in one year, Eurovision could be in Ukraine, knowing that the work for the edition 2023 has to start very soon….in one year even if the war is done… Read more »
The problem is certainly not the cost. The EBU and the other participating broadcaster would surely entirely finance a contest in Ukraine. The problem is security.
Obviously you don’t know how Eurovision works. The host country put the money and many got into debt. Why the big5 should put ore money? One of the countries willing to host will put the money.
What you said is true in normal times. But after a war if holding a contest in Ukraine will be safe all european countries would be happy to financially help Ukraine in hosting a european show that would be very simbolical to represent that Ukraine is still there after all the brutalities that happened. Problem is that is very unlikely that having a contest in Ukraine will be safe next year (even more unlikely because the final decision have to be made not later than october because the preparation needs many months)
speak for yourself, green.
I am really sorry to hear people think it is possible to hold the contest in Ukraine. This makes me think they don’t remotely understand the gravity of the situation in there. It is plain war, with cities crumbled on the ground and many lives are lost and forever altered.
If you still believe hosting a song contest in Ukraine, please check again the news and understand what is really happening. Ukraine needs the world to be aware to what is really happening more than a song contest.
As much as it would be nice for Ukraine to host next year, the EBU really need to get real, stop living in fantasy la la land and say NO.
what about holding contest elsewhere in Europe with collaboration of many Countries and donate the monetary gain to Ukraine for the reconstruction of their cities?
If it was possible, I’m sure that every person here would be happy to celebrate the contest in Ukraine and support them even more, but sadly, this is not something under our control right now. If the situation improves and we reach the point where it’s 100% safe, perfect. But we have to be realistic, and sadly, the future looks darker than that. Whatever happens, our love and support won’t change and I hope they know it.