UK's Sunak 'disappointed' Zelenskiy denied Eurovision address

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is disappointed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's request to address the Eurovision Song Contest was refused, the British leader's spokesman said on Friday.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is disappointed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's request to address the Eurovision Song Contest was refused, the British leader's spokesman said on Friday. The English city of Liverpool is hosting the annual song contest on behalf of 2022's winner Ukraine, which was not able to stage the musical extravaganza, as is customary, because of Russia's invasion.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said on Thursday that while Zelenskiy's request was made with "laudable intentions", granting it would be against the non-political nature of the event and its rules prohibiting making political statements. Last year, Eurovision's three live shows reached a television audience of 161 million. This year's final is on Saturday.

"The prime minister believes it would be fitting for President Zelenskiy to address the event and we are disappointed by the decision," Sunak's spokesperson said. "The value and freedoms that President Zelenskiy and the people of Ukraine are fighting for are not political, they are fundamental. Eurovision themselves recognised that last year when they rightly suspended Russia's participation from the competition."

Former prime minister Boris Johnson, who sought to position the UK as Ukraine's top ally in the West, also criticised the move on Twitter. Liverpool has opened its heart to Ukraine for Eurovision, flying blue and yellow flags, offering special tickets to its refugees and adopting its cuisine, in addition to putting the country centre stage in three live shows.

The EBU said it had made sure that Ukraine's music, culture, and creativity would feature strongly throughout the shows, including with last year's winners Kalush Orchestra performing. "We believe that this is the best way to reflect and celebrate Ukraine's Eurovision Song Contest win and show we are United By Music during these hard times," the EBU said.

Claire McColgan, Director of Culture Liverpool, who has been involved in organising the event, told Times Radio: "It would be fantastic to have a message from Zelenskiy in the city at this time, especially for the people from Ukraine who have come here, wishing it was at home."

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