Although the festival is described as apolitical, this crucial decision followed signals of trust from both Russia and Ukraine. The strained relationship between the two nations pressed on the festival stage, where music, performance, and pyrotechnics intersected with political tensions. This piece by Yotele explores how Ukraine and Russia have shaped the Eurovision Song Contest through political history and conflict.
Anthem of the orange revolution
When Ukraine claimed its first festival win, the country was immersed in the orange revolution, a movement that protested a presidential election widely viewed as fraudulent and centered on Maidan square. The breakthrough moment came with Ruslana and her song “Wild Dance.”
To mark the 2005 festival, Ukraine welcomed Greenjolly and the anthem “Razom nas bagato” (Together We Are Many), a rallying cry that became synonymous with protest chants in Kyiv.
Goodbye to Russia
Following the orange revolution, Ukraine finished second in 2007 with Verka Serduchka, a character performed by Andriy Danilko and the phonetic hit “Dancing Lasha Tumbai.” The crowd subtly signaled a message of farewell to Moscow, understood in English as “Goodbye Russia.”
Moscow censorship
After Dima Bilan’s 2008 victory, Eurovision 2009 in Moscow drew attention for public intolerance toward LGBTQ+ communities. The mayor of Moscow at the time warned against public demonstrations, stating that the city would not allow gay parades. A separate controversy involved singer Malena Ernman, who, according to interviews, faced pressure from a Russian jury that allegedly penalized performers defending LGBTQ+ rights during the contest.
Georgian withdrawal
The geopolitics surrounding the South Ossetia conflict also affected Eurovision 2009. Georgia withdrew after seeking to alter the lyrics of a song to avoid political implications with the Russian president.
Russia booed in 2014
In 2013, anti-propaganda laws in Russia sparked international concern within Eurovision circles. The Reference Group, led by Jon Ola Sand, explored how Russian participation might unfold while efforts to address discrimination were articulated. In 2014, audience members loudly booed Russia’s Tomalachev twins, and the accompanying spokesperson’s voting drew attention as public demonstrations, including a flare of LGBTQ+ flags, became part of the event’s backdrop.
Ukraine withdrew in 2015
The occupation of Ukrainian territories and the country’s financial strain led the Ukrainian Public Broadcaster to withdraw from Eurovision that year. Ukraine returned in 2016, with a production and performance that reflected ongoing regional tensions. The winner, “1944” by Jamala, sung in Tatar and English, evoked memories of mass displacements during historical traumas.
Lyrics that echo humanity’s pain—spoken of as a critique of war and oppression—reappeared in popular memory when the 2016 edition’s winning song and its themes resurfaced during later conflicts in 2022.
I veto the Russian representative
After Jamala’s Stockholm triumph, Ukraine explored hosting Eurovision in Kyiv but faced funding and security concerns that limited options. Ukraine ultimately vetoed the participation of a Russian act, citing permission issues related to Crimea’s annexation in 2014. The European Broadcasting Union proposed a satellite performance from Moscow, but the plan never materialized.
Politics and Junior Eurovision
The political undercurrents reach into Junior Eurovision as well. In 2018, Ukrainian artist Darina Krasnovetska represented the country with a hopeful message about love and peace. The choice carried weight, especially given the proximity of the Belarus-hosted event to Russia, adding a layer of geopolitical relevance to the contest.
Ukraine filmed in 2019
One notable chapter involved Ukraine’s preselection process, where disputes over contracts and touring rights caused tensions. The controversy around a possible Russia tour, as well as media questions about Crimea, made the national selection a focal point for broader geopolitical debates.
Fans still recall exchanges that raised questions about Crimea’s status and the implications for Ukrainian artists, reflecting how sport and culture intersect with national narratives.
Following the heightened scrutiny, debates about eligibility and national representation intensified, with officials weighing rights, territories, and media access in the wider Eurovision framework.
The Maruv case reappears
Ukraine’s ongoing debates about Crimea resurfaced when an artist withdrew from the national final, highlighting the delicate balance between artistry and politics. Statements from performers underscored the personal toll of public scrutiny and the broader strain on cultural exchange during conflicts.
Russia deported in 2022
The ultimate chronology culminated in Eurovision 2022 when the European Broadcasting Union excluded Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Other nations expressed reservations about Russia’s participation, underscoring concerns about the contest’s reputation amidst a major international crisis. The EBU stated that the decision aimed to avoid politicizing a non-political cultural event while promising close monitoring of the evolving situation.