Eurovision organisers allow Russia to compete in contest despite Ukraine invasion

dailystar.co.uk:

Eurovision Song Contest bosses have told how the contest will accept acts from both Russia and Ukraine in May, despite Vladimir Putin ordering an invasion.Putin's ongoing assault on the country has been widely condemned by western leaders, with Boris Johnson describing it as a "catastrophe" for Europe.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: "Peace on our continent has been shattered".Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC has called on producers of the event, European Broadcasting Union, to suspend Russia’s membership and ban it from the 2022 contest.However Eurovision Song Contest organisers described the competition as a "non-political cultural event", as they appeared to dismiss suggestions Russia’s invasion would prevent it from competing in this year's contest, which takes place in May.In a statement from the contest, which is produced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said: "The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political cultural event which unites nations and celebrates diversity through music."The EBU’s public broadcaster members in both Russia and Ukraine have committed to participating in this year’s event in Turin and we are currently planning to welcome artists from both countries to perform in May."We of course will continue to monitor the situation closely."But UA:PBC has urged the EBU to exclude Russia from taking part in the forthcoming contest.It claimed Russian broadcasters have been "a mouthpiece for the Kremlin and a key tool of political propaganda".It added they have taken part in "systematic dissemination of disinformation" against Ukraine which is "contrary" to the values of the EBU.The 66th edition Eurovision will take place in Turin Italy after Italian rock band Maneskin won last.