DISINFO: Ukraine is prepared to refuse participation in Eurovision-2019 because of Russia
SUMMARY
Kyiv wishes to avoid explanations about the absence of “friendship” with Moscow, and therefore plans to refuse participation in Eurovision-2019. This was confirmed by a statement from Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister, Viacheslav Kyrylenko.
RESPONSE
Deputy Prime Minister Kirilenko's Twitter comments on Ukraine's participation in Eurovision-2019 only reflect his personal point of view, and not the official position of the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (UA PBC), which is responsible for the selection process of the nation's entry act. On February 27, UA PBC issued a statement declaring that this year, Ukraine will not participate in the Eurovision contest. The reason for that is pulling out of Maruv, the singer who won the public vote, but refused to sign a contract with UA PBC.