Ukraine will not host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019, leaving the United Kingdom as the next potential host.
This year, the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra won the competition in Turin, Italy, and it is customary for the winning nation to host the event the following year.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has stated that Ukraine’s public broadcaster, UA:PBC, is incapable of providing the necessary “security and operational guarantees”
As runners-up, the EBU has initiated discussions with the BBC to potentially host next year’s competition. This would be the ninth time it has occurred in this country, more than any other nation.
In an online statement, the EBU expressed “sadness and disappointment” that the contest cannot be held in Ukraine in 2019.
“We have every intention of reflecting Ukraine’s victory in next year’s shows. This will be a top priority in our discussions with the eventual hosts, the EBU said.
Downing Street pledged to ensure that the contest “overwhelmingly reflects the rich culture, heritage, and creativity of Ukraine.”
Boris Johnson has since stated that Ukraine “deserves” to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019 and urged officials to reconsider their decision.
The prime minister stated, “This will be resolved by the time the European Song Contest arrives in a year.”
A No. 10 spokesman stated, “Ukraine’s victory in the Eurovision song contest was richly deserved, and as the rightful winner, it has been the government’s firm desire for next year’s competition to be held in Ukraine.
“If the EBU determines that the competition cannot be held in Ukraine, we would welcome the chance to work closely with Ukraine and the BBC to host it in the United Kingdom.
“However, we would be dedicated to ensuring that it overwhelmingly reflects Ukraine’s rich culture, heritage, and creativity, as well as strengthening the ongoing partnership between our two nations.”
The BBC has stated that it will “certainly discuss” hosting the competition.
“We have observed the EBU’s announcement. Clearly, this is not a situation that anyone would desire “stated the broadcaster.
“We will naturally discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest following their decision.”
Sam Ryder of the United Kingdom topped the jury vote in Turin, but the Ukrainian Kalush Orchestra won overall after a symbolic display of public support propelled them to first place with 631 points.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February – which prompted organisers to ban the Russian entrant from competing – they had been the frontrunners.
The United Kingdom’s second-place standing was called into question after the grand final when it was revealed that organisers had replaced the jury results of six countries with aggregate scores due to “irregular voting patterns.”
The results of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, and San Marino were changed by the EBU.
Some of these nations have since asserted that Spain would have taken second place with SloMo performed by Chanel.
However, following an investigation, the EBU confirmed Ryder as the runner-up.
Ukraine entered the international competition in 2003, and its three victories make it one of the most successful newcomers, having also won in 2004 and 2016.
