Liverpool City Region Mayor wants 'a platform' for Ukraine President
Eurovision organisers won't allow Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak during the final
Last updated 13th May 2023
The Liverpool City Region Mayor says he wants to give Ukraine's president the opportunity to address Eurovision audiences.
Steve Rotheram will speak to both the Ukrainian ambassador and the mayor of Lviv, who are both in the city for the final, "to discuss what we can do to provide a platform" for Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a joint statement with the Leader-elect of Liverpool City Council, Mr Rotheram said:
"For all the fun and frivolity of Eurovision, it is important to remember why this year’s contest is being held in Liverpool: because of Putin’s murderous war.
"Despite the EBU’s European Broadcasting Union decision to deny President Zelensky the opportunity to address the millions who will be watching tomorrow’s final, Liverpool will always try to provide a voice to those promoting peace and justice.
"The very fact that Russia has been banned from Eurovision this year (and many other competitions) demonstrates the validity of President Zelensky’s concerns."
It's after the European Broadcasting Union, which produces the event, said it had declined Mr Zelensky's request to speak on Saturday over fears it could politicise the contest.
He had wanted to make an unannounced video appearance and had been expected to implore the global audience of millions to continue backing his country in its fight to repel Russian invaders.
The EBU said Mr Zelensky had "laudable intentions" but "regrettably" his request was against the rules.
The move prompted criticism from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his predecessor Boris Johnson, among other figures.
The EBU has declined to comment further.
The Eurovision grand final will air live from Liverpool at 8pm tonight.