The decision to deny Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky the chance to speak at tonight’s Eurovision Song Contest final in Liverpool has been met with disappointment from senior political figures across the country.
The grand final of the event takes place at the M&S Bank Arena later today with millions of viewers around the world expected to tune in to the showpiece occasion. The event has been a celebration of Ukrainian culture and tradition due to the nation's inability to host as last year's winners due to Russia’s full scale invasion last February.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky had hoped to make a video appearance at the competition and had been expected to call for continued support in backing his country’s fight against Russian invasion. However the European Broadcast Union, which organises the event, said Mr Zelensky had “laudable intentions” but “regrettably” his plan to address the audience was against the rules.
READ MORE: Live updates as Liverpool celebrates Eurovision final in city and EuroVillage
The decision has led to frustration from some leading politicians, with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying he was “disappointed” by the decision. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram also released a statement yesterday saying that he was having discussions to find another platform for the Ukrainian president.
Yesterday, Friday May 12, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister believes it would be fitting for President Zelensky to address the event and we’re disappointed by the decision from the European Broadcasting Union.
“The values and freedoms that President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine are fighting for are not political, they’re fundamental, and Eurovision themselves recognised that last year when they rightly suspended Russia’s participation from the competition.”
Writing on Twitter yesterday Mayor Rotheram said: It's been an honour to host Eurovision on behalf Ukraine. But we shouldn't forget why it's here: because of Putin's illegal war.
“Despite the EBU's decision to deny President Zelensky a chance to address Eurovision, our area will always provide a voice to those promoting peace.”
The Metro Mayor added that he will be speaking to the Ukrainian ambassador and the Mayor of Lviv, who are in Liverpool for the final, “to discuss what we can do to provide a platform for President Zelensky. Activity is continuing around the city today with the grand final taking place from 8pm.
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