Eurovision rules out Ukraine to host 2023 contest

Ukraine will not host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest and organisers are turning to the United Kingdom to host.

While it is tradition that the winner hosts the competition the following year, the ongoing war by Russia invasion has led the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, to concludedthat planning under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by Ukraine’s broadcaster UA:PBC.

“The EBU would like to thank UA:PBC for their wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks since Kalush Orchestra’s win on 14 May in Turin and share their sadness and disappointment that next year’s Contest cannot be held in Ukraine,” organisers said in a statement.

“The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians.

“As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.

“It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts,” it said.