Where there are cynicism and politics, there's no room for music. Today, they made that very clear in Kiev. Security Service of Ukraine banned Russian Eurovision participant, Yuliya Samoylova from entry for 3 years. Kiev's decision caused a storm of protest in society. Her colleague singers are outraged, federal channels refuse to transmit the competition, without a Russian participant in it. Another decision has been made: next year Yuliya Samoylova will perform at Eurovision, regardless of which channel will be transmitting it in Russia — VGTRK or Channel 1. This is a consolidated position of leaders of the largest media holdings in the country. Reported to you by Dmitriy Kaystro.
Ukrainian authorities chose an odd way to inform about Yuliya's 3-year entry ban, via a post on social media. Security Service of Ukraine has banned the Russian citizen, Yuliya Samoylova from entry for 3 years. This decision was made after considering data, showing that she violated Ukrainian law. I don't know, this is ridiculous, I don't understand what all of this is about.
Russian media has called Ukraine's decision cynical and inhumane. This was Eurovision's official response: "we are deeply disappointed in this decision as we feel it goes against both the spirit of the Contest, and the notion of inclusivity that lies at the heart of its values." Iosif Kobzon has personally experienced such bans. This is the reaction from our deputy and a recognized Russian maestro. They're scared of our amazing girl in a wheelchair. I wonder how nervous they'll get, if we choose a different way of transportation.
The first time she appeared on TV was on "Factor A". During the third elimination round, the audience stood up to applaud her. Philipp Kirkorov was down on his knees in front of her talent. This goes against the competition's slogan, "Celebrating diversity". A multimillion audience, almost the entire country saw this girl on channel "Russia", during "Factor A." This was the first time a show like this showed a fragile girl of limited abilities with an unlimited talent. Then there were the Sochi Paralympics, and a concert in Kerch. That's where Ukraine saw a threat to their national security in Samoylova's performance. There was nothing political about it, I just sang. I sang in Kerch just like in any other town. Genuine perplexity of this little star, who shined so bright on channel "Russia's" TV show.
Sponsors of this Russophobic attack wouldn't understand her genuine perplexity. Their actions can't even be described as "dirty politics." She wanted to go there simply to sing, living in the music, and for the music. After "Factor A," I realized, that it's better to go for yourself. Just think about yourself and that's it. Officials in Kiev, speaking so much about European values, fell into their own trap of hypocritical tolerance, by insulting a talented singer in a wheelchair in front of the entire world. Since there won't be a Russian participant in Eurovision, Russian federal channels won't transmit the entire competition. Regardless of the 2018 Eurovision location and whether VGTRK or Channel 1 will be transmitting it, it will be Yuliya Samoylova representing Russia. This is the position of the leaders of the largest media holdings in the country.
