Turkish newspaper Milliyet last weekend reported that Ruslana wants to represent Turkey at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest. Moreover the Ukrainian singer would have applied for Turkish citizenship and a new Turkish name. The incredible story upset the media in Russia and Ukraine and was rapidly countered by Ruslana, who called it all a misunderstanding.
“During a live television broadcast in Turkey, I was asked what my reaction would be on a proposal to become a citizen of Turkey,” Ruslana starts explaining the misunderstanding. “My answer was that it would be an honour! I like the country and Turkish people. Besides, this proposal to a foreigner is a symbol of respect. Though, we were talking about an honorary title. I am not going to change my legal citizenship. I am and I will be the citizen of Ukraine!”
Ruslana's statement got misunderstood and the Turkish media even spread that the winner of the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest had set her mind on representing Turkey at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Greece. However, Ruslana denied any new Eurovision Song Contest plans and doesn't intend to participate in the contest once again. “I'm interested in climbing different mountains, not the same peak,” Ruslana describes her intentions.
Ruslana has become one of the most popular performers in Turkey and has often visited the country for concerts since she won the Eurovision Song Contest in the Turkish city of Istanbul in 2004.
