Topline
Eurovision Song Contest, the wildly popular international songwriting competition, will not allow a Russian act to participate this year over concerns the country’s inclusion could “bring the competition into disrepute” as Russia faces worldwide backlash over the invasion of Ukraine.
Thomas Raggi, Damiano David, Victoria De Angelis and Ethan Torchio of Måneskin from Italy react on … [+]
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Key Facts
The move to bar Russia from the competition is a reversal of the European Broadcasting Union’s stance earlier this week, when it said Russia would still be allowed to compete in this year’s contest, slated to be held this May in Turin, Italy.
Eurovision isn’t the only event Russia has been pulled from since the country’s invasion of Ukraine: The UEFA will relocate the Champion’s League men’s soccer final from St. Petersburg to France, and require Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams to play home matches at neutral venues.
Formula 1 also canceled this year’s Russian Grand Prix, which was to be held in Sochi in September, the league announced Friday.
The International Ski Federation said it will cancel or book another venue for its remaining World Cup events scheduled in Russia this season, a move it said will affect six events.
Delta suspended its partnership with Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline, and will no longer allow customers to book flights with the two companies on the same ticket.
German soccer club FC Schalke 04 said it would remove the logo of main sponsor GAZPROM – a gas company majority owned by the Russian state – from players’ jerseys.
Key Background
Backlash against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Thursday has been swift. Officials from all over the world condemned what Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called a “special military operation,” and Russia has been targeted with sanctions. Thousands of protestors have joined rallies against the invasion in at least a dozen countries.
Further Reading
Forbes Ukraine Live Blog
In Photos: Anti-War Protesters Around The World Rally In Support Of Ukraine (Forbes)
