The European Broadcasting Union has decided to exclude Russia from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest over the attacks on Ukraine. As a result, many Russian broadcasters are now leaving the EBU.

“The European Broadcasting Union has announced that no Russian acts will be broadcast this year Eurovision Song Contest will participate,” read a statement issued on Friday. Russia’s boycott was an attack on Ukraine. “The decision reflects concerns that, given the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s competition will prevent This event can be brought discredited.”

In response to Russia’s boycott from the Eurovision Song Contest, which . was held in Italy As it happens, many Russian channel organizers are leaving the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The state media holding First Channel, WGTRK and Radio Center Ostankino opposed the move. According to the Tass agency, the stations said on Saturday that it was an unfair political victimization of a music platform that has always emphasized its non-political status.

The decision is by no means the first time that the EBU has interfered politically with the ESC. Broadcasters cite the example of the song “1944”, with which Ukrainian singer Jamala won the contest in 2016 – “an open political manifesto” – and the boycott of Belarus in 2021. “These are just two examples in a long line when organizers have been biased and selective in their use of the word ‘politics’.” The EBU is thus implementing the EU’s wishes, although most members of the broadcasting union have none. The European Union– are members.

A total of 41 countries wanted to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The Russian entry for the Grand Prix has not yet been determined. It is also not yet decided who will represent Germany in the world’s biggest music competition. The big preliminary decision will be on March 4.