Thor Gjermund Eriksen: Last News

Russia can compete in the upcoming song contest, to be held in May, other countries have called for its exclusion amid the invasion of Ukraine. Yesterday event bosses described the competition as a ‘non-political cultural event’ while appearing to dismiss suggestions that Russia’s attack on its neighbour would result in the country being banned. Now, after Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC called on the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the event, to suspend Russia’s membership and ban it from the contest, other countries have echoed the same sentiments.

Russia can compete in the upcoming song contest, to be held in May, other countries have called for its exclusion amid the invasion of Ukraine.Yesterday event bosses described the competition as a ‘non-political cultural event’ while appearing to dismiss suggestions that Russia’s attack on its neighbour would result in the country being banned.Now, after Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC called on the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the event, to suspend Russia’s membership and ban it from the contest, other countries have echoed the same sentiments.In a statement, Norway’s NRK broadcasting director Thor Gjermund Eriksen said they didn’t envisage that Russia can participate in this year’s contest. For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine liveHe said: ‘NRK has given clear advice to the EBU that Russia can not participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, this is a member organisation that needs some time to anchor a decision.