Ukrainian News Channel, Ukraine Today met up with Mr. Vitali Klitschko (Mayor of Kyiv) at a press conference in the Ukrainian capital today and got the chance to catch up with him. Mr. Klichtko shed more light on the upcoming innovations he intends to implement in Kyiv and about the city’s bid to host the forthcoming 2017 Eurovision Song Contest.

Mr. Klitschko is confident that Kyiv can host the contest on a high level as the city has a great transport system, good infrascture and connection, hotel capacity and experience in hosting international events (Euro 2012 and Eurovision 2005). He goes on to say that the city has a good chance to host the competition.

Mr. Klitschko’s interview on Ukraine Today.

NTU, the Ukrainian national broadcaster kicked off the Battle of the City, a competition amongst Ukrainian cities vying to host the 2017 ESC earlier in the summer. A total of 6 cities submitted their bids to host the competition. The Eurovision 2017 Committee and NTU shortlisted the cities from 6 to 3: Dnipro, Kyiv and Odesa.

An annoucement to reveal the name of the 2017 ESC host city was cancelled and has been postponed. 2 cities remain in the battle, namely Kyiv and Odesa, an annoucement on which of the two will welcome Europe next May is imminent.

The preliminary dates for the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest have been set on 9, 11 and 13 May.