Ukraine ‘cannot pass up Eurovision chance’
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FORMER Eurovision winner Jamala has said Ukraine cannot afford to “give up” the opportunity to raise awareness of Russia’s invasion by performing at the song contest, amid boycott calls over Israel’s participation.
The 40-year-old Ukrainian fears the UK public is growing “tired” over the war in Ukraine, but has urged this year’s Eurovision entry from her country to be “loud and creative” while continuing to highlight the conflict taking place.
She told the PA news agency: “Some countries may refuse to participate [in the contest], but we don’t. Especially we cannot afford to give up such a contest in time of war.
“There are many wars now in the world and, of course, it is not easy to constantly keep attention on yourself so that people do not get tired of our war.
“But that is our task, people who remain in Ukraine, people who are fighting, to be as loud and creative… this is the task of artists to find new ways of how to reveal and show their country.”
It comes after the Irish entrant, Bambie Thug, previously backed “an immediate and lasting ceasefire” in Gaza but has refused to boycott this week’s event.
Alongside UK contender Olly Alexander
and Danish hopeful Saba, the artists said in a statement: “It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages.
“We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.”
Rapper and singer duo Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil will represent Ukraine at Eurovision, which will be held in Malmo, Sweden, after Loreen’s victory in Liverpool last year.
Jamala hopes the duo can use their creativity to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine, which she feels is not as prominent in the news compared with two years ago following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Jamala was part of the jury to select this year’s entry for Ukraine and described the duo as “so different”, adding: “I really cheered for the girls.”
She thanked the general public for their continued support for Ukrainians. “I want to thank everyone from the UK Government to the people who support us not only with words, but also with actions and weapons.”