Ukraine is set to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest despite currently fighting a Russian military invasion of their country. While many are skeptical that Ukraine will be able to pull off an amazing performance, there is no doubt they have something to prove in this year’s contest.
The “Ukraine ‘to perform at Eurovision’ despite currently fighting invasion” is an article that reports the Ukraine will be performing at Eurovision in spite of their current invasion.
Despite Russian armies invading Ukraine, Kalush Orchestra seems to be on track to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest. (Photo courtesy of Reuters)
According to reports, Ukraine’s Eurovision heroes Kalush Orchestra will play in Turin for the annual song contest.
Before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s deadly invasion of Ukraine, the band had been selected to represent Ukraine in the yearly event.
When the conflict broke out, the Kalush musicians lay down their instruments and went to work defending the nation, with one member reportedly fighting in Kyiv.
They vowed, however, that if the war were to end, they would sing at the song contest in Italy in May.
Despite the fact that there is no clear indication of when the conflict will finish, it looks Kalush will go to Italy to play in the semi-finals as well as for a number of promotional and fundraising events.
The band has assembled in Lviv, Ukraine, according to Ukrainian website Suspilne, where they are planning promotional gigs on the night of Eurovision.
The monies earned from the performances will be used to rebuild Ukrainian cities that have been damaged by the conflict, with further information to be released in the following days.
‘Through our talks, we hope to generate donations for the rehabilitation of Ukrainian cities damaged by the conflict,’ says band leader Oleh Psyuk, according to Suspilne.
‘Many large-scale Eurovision events are now taking place.’
While Eurovision ‘is extremely important to us… the life of our family and friends is even more important,’ Kalush Orchestra had earlier said on social media that while Eurovision ‘is very important to us… the life of our family and friends is even more essential.’
They stated they were ‘doing all possible to support our nation,’ and that one of their members was ‘fighting in Kyiv’s territorial defense.’
Meanwhile, Oleh had ‘founded a volunteer organization’ to assist individuals in ‘finding lodging, moving, and finding medication.’
As the nation geared itself for the invasion, he expressed his anxieties for his family and fiancée, telling Reuters: ‘I cannot enjoy it when I am scared about my loved ones.’
‘My girlfriend and I were separated by the war. I’m around 300 kilometers away from her. We are unable to meet since it is really unsafe.
‘While I’m here, she’s in a bunker, and the air raid sirens are always on.’
The band had previously said that they were aiding the Ukrainian war effort in a statement (Picture: eurovision.tv )
Meanwhile, Russia has been barred from competing in the song contest, with the EBU confirming the decision after widespread objections.
In a statement, they said: ‘
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has confirmed that no Russian performer will compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
‘The EBU Executive Board took the decision after a proposal by the Eurovision Song Contest’s governing body, the Reference Group, earlier today, based on the event’s regulations and the EBU’s principles. The EBU’s Television Committee backed the Reference Group’s suggestion.
‘The decision reflects a fear that, in light of Ukraine’s exceptional situation, including a Russian participation in this year’s Contest would bring the competition into disgrace.’
This year’s tournament will be held in Turin, Italy, after the victory of the Italian rock band Maneskin previous year. (Photo courtesy of Getty)
‘Before making this decision, the EBU sought input from a broad range of its membership.’
‘The EBU is a non-political membership organization of broadcasters dedicated to promoting public service objectives.’
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‘We are committed to safeguarding the principles of a cultural competition that fosters international interchange and understanding, brings audiences together, celebrates diversity through music, and brings Europe together on one platform,’ said the organization.
Eurovision and Kalush Orchestra representatives have been contacted for comment by Metro.co.uk.
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