Ukraine will compete at next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, it has been confirmed.
The country is still subject to an illegal invasion by Russia, meaning that despite winning the contest in 2022, it was unable to serve as the host of this year’s contest, with the UK stepping in instead.
The 2024 edition is to be staged in Malmo, Sweden following Loreen’s win – and Ukraine will be among those competing for a place in the grand final.
Oksana Skybinska, Ukraine’s head of delegation, said: “Sweden has repeatedly been recognised for its exemplary skills of hosting this international event, with record-breaking 204 million viewers watching the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden.
“Ukraine’s presence at this international event is significant, especially in such a difficult time of war. It will let us bring Ukraine’s voice and message to the whole world.
“In addition, the National Selection, which will determine this year’s Ukrainian representative, will allow us to invite (at least online) Eurovision fans from all over the world to Ukraine – to show how, despite the difficulties of the war, Ukraine cares about its musical culture.
“This year’s National Selection will feature innovations allowing Ukrainians to be even more involved in making key selection decisions. More information about the terms and novelties of the National Selection will be announced this week when the application process starts.”
After topping the table in 2022, the three-time winners finished sixth in the rankings this year.
