Ukrainian Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra have said they are “grateful” to the UK for showing solidarity with Ukraine and for hosting the event next year on their country’s behalf.
The folk-rap group won this year’s song contest in Turin, Italy, which would traditionally mean their home country would host the event the following year.
However, bosses at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) previously decided the contest could not be held in the war-torn country following the Russian invasion.
It was announced on Monday that the UK will host Eurovision 2023 as British singer Sam Ryder came runner-up in this year’s competition.
The BBC will broadcast the competition on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC.
A statement from the EBU read: “The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine.
“We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.
“I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.”
A statement from BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
“Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.
“The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.
“The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.”
The United Kingdom last hosted the popular song contest in 1998, following Katrina and the Waves' victory with Love Shine A Light in 1997.
Following the news, Kalush Orchestra’s lead singer Oleh Psiuk told PA: “Of course, we are very sad that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be held in Ukraine next year.
“But we are grateful to the UK for their solidarity and for agreeing to hold the event in support of our country.
“We hope Eurovision 2023 will have a Ukrainian flavour and celebrate our beautiful, unique culture.
“We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country.”
Following their Eurovision win with their song Stefania, the group auctioned off their trophy to raise money for the Ukrainian army.
They said they raised £713,000 ($900,000) by auctioning off the glass microphone, and a further £293,000 ($370,000) by raffling off the pink bucket hat frontman Psiuk wore during the performance.
Last month, the group also delivered their first UK performance since they triumphed in Turin with a set on Shangri-La’s Truth Stage at Glastonbury Festival.
During their performance, they expressed their hope that Ukraine might still be able to host the event and thanked the crowd for supporting their country.
