Eurovision organisers confirm Russia can compete despite Ukraine invasion

metro.co.uk:

Russia and Ukraine in May despite Vladimir Putin ordering a full-scale invasion, in what has been described by Boris Johnson as a ‘catastrophe’ for Europe.While Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference that ‘Peace on our continent has been shattered’ Eurovision Song Contest organisers described the competition as a ‘non-political cultural event’.They also appeared to dismiss suggestions Russia’s attack on its neighbour would result in the country being banned for 2022.The 66th edition of the annual competition is due to take in Turin after Italian rock band Maneskin triumphed during the 2021 contest.It comes as the European Union and others condemned the Russian invasion and promised tough sanctions to hit the Kremlin.A statement from the contest, which is produced by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said (via PA News Agency): ‘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.’Last week, the act chosen to represent Ukraine in Turin, Alina Pash, withdrew from representing her country after facing scrutiny over a reported 2015 visit to Russia-occupied Crimea.Pash had been chosen in a televised national selection show and was due to perform her song Shadows Of Forgotten Ancestors, but pulled out after details of the trip emerged.People who enter the territory via Russia are considered by Ukraine to have illegally crossed the border.