Preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest in Ukraine have started. Oksana Skybinska, the head of the Ukrainian Song Contest delegation, has handed over a document with plans to Mykola Chernotytskyi of the country’s public broadcaster.
The Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra won this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Turin with the song Stefania† Traditionally, the winner of the event organizes the Song Contest the following year, but due to the war in the country it is uncertain whether that will continue.
“We now face a significant challenge: organizing the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Ukraine,” Chernotytskyi said during a press moment on Tuesday. “In other countries, the challenge lies with financing and infrastructure, but for us above all with security issues. From Friday we will consult with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about organizing the event.”
Chernotytskyi hopes that the country will give the organizers some time, because it remains to be seen whether the event can actually take place in Ukraine. “I hope that the Eurovision Song Contest will be organized in a peaceful Ukraine. It will be difficult negotiations and the safety factor is very important. The final decision will therefore be taken in consultation with the EBU,” said Chernotytskyi. “But this is much more complex than a simple wish to organize it here.”
Oleh Psiuk, the frontman of Kalush Orchestra, agrees with Chernotytskyi’s verdict. “Many countries have already announced that they would like to organize the Song Contest if it is not possible here. But I hope that the Eurovision Song Contest can be organized in a happy, rebuilt and strong Ukraine.”
–
