Oleksandr Tkachenko, serving as Ukraine’s Minister of Culture and Information Policy, addressed the controversy surrounding the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to move Eurovision Song Contest 2023 hosting duties away from Ukraine. The stance from Kyiv emphasized that despite theunexpected turn, conversations with the BBC remained open, with the aim of acknowledging the wartime reality while still marking the event in a meaningful way for Ukrainian culture and international audiences alike.
In a formal address, President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced disagreement with the decision’s nature and its perceived implications. He argued that the choice should be reevaluated through continued dialogue, noting that multiple viable options had not been exhausted and affirming the government’s willingness to negotiate to reach a solution that could satisfy all parties involved.
Kyiv maintained that the Kalush Orchestra, winner of the festival, had fulfilled all statutory conditions for hosting considerations and that Ukraine remained committed to meeting safety rules and logistical standards. Officials also indicated they were evaluating potential venues and reviewing every step necessary to ensure a successful festival if a hosting arrangement could be realized locally.
The administration reiterated confidence that all commitments previously announced would be met. In parallel, the government pressed for additional discussions to explore possibilities for staging Eurovision 2023 within Ukraine, balancing national interests with the broader expectations of the international community.
European Broadcasting Union officials clarified that the 2022 winner would not automatically determine the host nation for 2023. They confirmed ongoing consultations with the British Broadcasting Corporation, underscoring the practical reasons tied to the runner-up status and the broader organizational framework governing the contest. This set the stage for a collaborative discussion about hosting responsibilities beyond a single country’s status alone.
Following a careful assessment by the Reference Group, the Eurovision Executive Board expressed regret that current conditions would make it impossible for a broadcaster to assume the required operational leadership under the established Contest Rules. The decision highlighted that essential guarantees related to safety, broadcast quality, and event coordination could not be assured under the circumstances presented at the time.
In a final note, the European Broadcasting Union thanked UA:PBC for its cooperation and willingness to explore every possible scenario in the weeks after Kalush Orchestra’s Turin victory on May 14. The EBU also conveyed its sadness and disappointment at the prospect that Ukraine might not host the next edition, while acknowledging the complexities surrounding the situation and the ongoing dialogue with Ukrainian authorities and international partners.