Organizers of the annual Eurovision Song Contest have said that Russia will be allowed to compete in the event despite Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Their statement to the media says that it is a "non-political cultural event which unites nations and celebrates diversity through music." They are planning on welcoming both Russia and Ukraine to the 2022 event to be held in Turin, Italy, this year. They did however add that they would be monitoring the situation closely.
According to Billboard,Ukraine’s national public broadcaster, UA: PBC, has requested Russia be removed from the contest, and urged the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the competition, to suspend Russia's membership and ban it from this year's contest.
Russia's artist and song have yet to be selected. The Kalush Orchestra, pictured in the Tweet below, will represent Ukraine this year.
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) February 22, 2022
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in May, it brings together artists from across Europe, as well as Israel and Australia, to perform for a chance to be voted the winner by judges and the public.
