UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is “disappointed” at European broadcasters banning a message by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at this weekend’s Eurovision final, Sunak’s spokesman said. | AFP
A handout photograph released by the UK Parliament shows Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaking during the weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions at the House of Commons, in London, on May 10, 2023. Sunak is “disappointed” at European broadcasters banning a message by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at this weekend’s Eurovision final, Sunak’s spokesman said on May 12, 2023.
LONDON—UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is “disappointed” at European broadcasters banning a message by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at this weekend’s Eurovision final, Sunak’s spokesman said Friday, May 12. The English city of Liverpool is hosting Saturday’s musical extravaganza on behalf of last year’s winner Ukraine, due to the Russian invasion.But the European Broadcasting Union said “strict rules” prevented it from granting the Ukrainian leader’s request to speak by video, arguing the contest is “non-political.”
“The prime minister believes it would be fitting for President Zelensky to address the event, and we’re disappointed by the decision from the European Broadcasting Union,” Sunak’s spokesman said.