Eurovision bans Russia from 2022 contest

Eurovision organisers have backtracked on their decision to allow Russia to compete in the contest this year following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

There was widespread backlash on Thursday (24 February) when Eurovision bosses said Russia would still be allowed to send an entry to the hugely popular competition. The announcement came just hours after Russia launched a “full-scale invasion” in Ukraine, prompting international outcry.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the Eurovision Song Contest, announced on Friday (25 February) that Russia will no longer be allowed to take part.

The union said its executive board made the decision after it received a recommendation from its governing body. That recommendation was “based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU”, the EBU’s statement said.