Russia to be barred from Eurovision over invasion, says organiser

Russia will be barred from participating in the Eurovision song contest in 2022 over its invasion of Ukraine, the European Broadcasting Union said on Friday.

"In the context of the unprecedented crisis unfolding today in Ukraine, there were fears that a Russian participation this year would bring discredit to the competition," the body said in a statement.

"Before taking its decision, the EBU took the time to carry out a wide consultation with its members."

The announcement appears to reverse the decision made less than 24 hours earlier, where it had said both Ukraine and Russia would still be allowed to participate in the "non-political cultural event."

Russia has been taking part in the competition since 1994 and has won 23 times.

In 2021, they came ninth place with their entry "Russian Women":