The Eurovision Song Contest's executive supervisor has discussed Russia's exclusion from the competition.
Russia was banned from the 2022 competition following its invasion of Ukraine but has experienced a generally tough time in the contest from fans due to its questionable laws and stances on basic human rights, specifically toward the LGBT community.
Its national broadcasters subsequently suspended their memberships of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the show, preventing them from taking part in future contests.
READ MORE: When to expect Eurovision Song Contest tickets and how much they will cost
Martin Osterdahl, the ESC's executive supervisor said Russia's exclusion "was and still is" hard but that the event should stand for "the basic and ultimate values of democracy".
Speaking to Abba's Bjorn Ulvaeus on BBC Radio 4's Today, Martin said: "How Europe feels very much affects the contest. It is also that when you look back in time you see that the Eurovision Song Contest is like a log book of what has happened in Europe, what the trends have been in Europe.
"But, also, what is the kind of mood and sentiment of Europe, and what is the social context of Europe at the time. When we say that we are not political, what we always should stand up for are the basic and ultimate values of democracy. Everyone is right to be who they are."
He added: "This will be a Eurovision Song Contest that really shows the values that we talk about - solidarity, reaching out, uniting through music."
In its application, Liverpool had to demonstrate how it would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities if it were to host on behalf of the nation. The host city has promised a festival of culture to platform Ukraine – telling a story of an ambitious, progressive country.
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