Ukraine’s Klaus Orchestra skyrocketed to the top of the Eurovision’s leader board following votes from the public as Eurovision Song Contest fans cheered on the representatives of the war torn country.
However, questions have arisen about whether Ukraine will be able to host the event next year. Traditionally, the winning nation hosts the event the following year.
And, despite fans being excited to see Ukraine being crowned winners following their performance of ‘Stefania’, the Russian invasion might make the hosting outright impossible.
Ukraine has been locked in warfare since February of this year after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘special operation’ to invade the country. Since then, Ukraine has made headlines due to the war, making their Eurovision win a breath of fresh air.
But the war is far from over, despite winning band Kalush Orchestra stating that their country would be ready to welcome music fans from all over the world to host the prestigious competition.
‘If we win, the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place in Ukraine. It will be a new, integrated, well-developed and flourishing Ukraine’ the winners had said before their success. Unfortunately, some forecasters are predicting that the fighting could rage on for five to ten more years.
Martin Österdahl, the EBU’s Executive Supervisor of the ESC, has also discussed the possibility of Ukraine hosting the 2023 event: ‘Now we will begin planning for 2023 with winning broadcaster UA:PBC. […] Obviously, there are unique challenges involved in hosting next year’s competition.’
Meanwhile, EP President Roberta Metsola congratulated the Ukrainians for winning the competition, saying: ‘next year in Kyiv – in a free Ukraine. I will be there. Slava Ukraini!’ Whether the country will be able to host Eurovision, the win did lift up spirits, briefly shifting focus from the shelling and death to a feat of unity, art and victory.
Congratulations #KalushOrchestra and #Ukraine! 🇺🇦🏆 #Eurovision #ESC2022
Next year in #Kyiv – in a free Ukraine. I will be there.
Slava Ukraini!
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) May 14, 2022
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