Russia axed from Eurovision as they would ‘bring competition into disrepute’

Entertainment

Russia has been kicked out of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The organisers said Russia’s participation would “bring the competition into disrepute”.

The 66th Eurovision contest is due to be held in Turin in May after rock act Maneskin claimed victory last year.

Finland said it would boycott the event if Russia was allowed to take part, while other European public broadcasters, including Ukraine’s, called for Russia to be expelled.