Varvara, who stood for the Russian 2006 Eurovision Song Contest selection against Dima Bilan, is to take a year's rest from attempting to represent her country in the contest. She will support the winning candidate in Helsinki, but will not be participating. In the mean time, Eugene Fridlyand, Alexandr Panayatov's producer confirmed today that the singer is going to take part in the Russian selection for the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest. Two further participants will be announced by end of the year. No further information is yet available, but at esctoday.com understands that a televised final to select Russia's 2007 entry is possible.

Vavara will definitely not be among the entrants but she is taking a break from the preselections in 2007, but sheissaid to be going to try againin 2008. Nevertheless, the singer will be part of the Eurovision Song Contest as she will go to the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest just like in Athens to support the Russian participant(s), whoever that might be.

In addition to Panayatov, two further participants will be announced by end of the year. No further information is yet available, but at esctoday.com understands that a televised final to select Russia's 2007 entry is possible.

In 2006, Russia finished 2nd in the final round after a 3rd place finish in the semi final with Dima Bilan and Never let you go. Therefore, they will be directly qualified for the final in Helsinki.