In 2023, Eurovision will not be held in Ukraine. The statement was issued by the European Broadcasting Union.

According to the rules, Eurovision in 2023 was to take place in Ukraine, as it was the Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra that won this year's competition. But because of the war in Ukraine, the EBU is hesitant to hold a song contest in Ukraine.

"Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year’s winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues. Following objective analysis, the Reference Group, the ESC’s governing board, has with deep regret concluded that, given the current circumstances, the security and operational guarantees required for a broadcaster to host, organize and produce the Eurovision Song Contest under the ESC Rules cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC," reads the statement of the European Language Union.

Therefore, the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Great Britain, which took second place in this year's competition. Negotiations with the BBC have already begun.

"We want Ukraine's victory to be reflected in next year's show. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with potential hosts, ”the EBU added.

In response to the EBU statement, the Minister of Culture of Ukraine, the Chairman of Suspilne broadcaster, and artists Oleh Psyuk and Ruslana Lyzhychko published a joint address. It says that the Ukrainian side does not agree with this decision and requires additional negotiations on the possibility of holding Eurovision in Ukraine.

"Holding Eurovision 2023 in Ukraine is a strong signal to the whole world that it supports Ukraine now. We will demand that this decision be changed, because we believe that we will be able to fulfill all our commitments, which has been repeatedly emphasized to the European Broadcasting Union," the statement said.