Following EBU’s statement to ESCToday regarding Ukraine’s Eurovision participation in Lisbon, ESCToday decided to investigate further and contacted UA:PBC, the Ukrainian national broadcaster, in order to shed more light on the matter and clarify the current situation afflicting the broadcaster.
Earlier this week the EBU released an article on its official website stating that UA:PBC, the Ukrainian broadcaster was under threat of closure due to its current financial afflictions and lack of funding. This set off the alarm amongst the Eurovision fan fraternity as the alleged closure of the Ukrainian broadcaster by April would jeopardise the country’s Eurovision participation in Lisbon.
ESCToday contacted both the EBU and UA:PBC in order to clarify the matter and shed more light on the current situation. UA:PBC’s CEO Mr. Zurab Alasania told ESCToday:
There are financial problems at UA:PBC, but they will not affect Ukraine’s participation in Eurovision 2018. We conducted a national selection (in partnership with a private Ukrainian television channel STB). The winner Melovin will be going to Lisbon. So, all plans are in force.
After UA:PBC’s answer there is no doubt that Ukraine will compete at the forthcoming 2018 Eurovision Song Contest in Portugal.
Ukraine in Eurovision
Ukraine debuted in Eurovision in 2003 and has won the competition on two ocassions, namely in 2004 with Ruslana and in 2016 with Jamala.
The country is amongst the most successful countries in the contest and has never missed a Eurovision Grand Final since its debut, with the exception of 2015 when the country Ukraine withdrew from the contest. Ukraine has achieved a total of 9 Top 10 placings in its 14 year history in the event.
Ukriane has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest twice: 2005 and 2017.
Melovin was crowned the winner of the 2018 Ukrainian national final and will fly to Lisbon to defend the Ukrainian colours at the upcoming Eurovision edition in Portugal.
