Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC asked the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to suspend membership of Russian channels C1R and VGTRK. This would exclude Russia from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The reason is the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in the night from Wednesday to Thursday.

“Russia, as an aggressor and violator of international law, cannot participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, which was created precisely to unite Europe,” said Mykola Chernotytsky, chairman of the board of directors of UA:PBC.

He stressed that VGTRK, responsible for this year’s Russian entry, “serves as an instrument of Kremlin power” and “constantly violates journalistic standards“.

Chernotytsky thinks exclusion would be a strong response from the European broadcaster association.