#RUSSIA | SSU BANS YULIA SAMOYLOVA FROM ENTERING UKRAINE
Politics win over music this time.
Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has officially banned Russian representative Yulia Samoylova from entering the territory of Ukraine, which automatically disqualifies her from Eurovision Song Contest 2017.
Yulia's ban on entering the country lasts for 3 years. On Monday Vasyl Hrytsak, the head of the SSU, announced that the paper work for today's ban had already been drafted. Stating that her offending actions went far beyond her performance in the disputed territory.
He stated: "The law should be one for all. She did not just visit Crimea, she also left comments on social networks, where she spoke about Ukraine, its authorities and its course for Euro-Atlantic integration. My own position is clear: I think she should not come to Ukraine."
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied fast about SSU actions saying that Ukraine's decision was "cynical and inhuman".
Russian politician Frants Klintsevich said that Russia will not participate in future Eurovision Song Contests if the organisers don't stand up for Yulia Samoylova. He also stated: "If the Eurovision leadership is silent, it's completely politicized and biased",
Statement from the EBU regarding Russia's participant in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017:
"It has been confirmed to the EBU that the Ukrainian authorities have issued a travel ban on the Russian artist chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest, Julia Samoylova, as she has been judged to have contravened Ukrainian law by entering Crimea in order to perform.
We have to respect the local laws of the host country, however 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.
We will continue a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the aim of ensuring that all artists can perform at the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv in May."
What do you think about the actions of SSU? Do you approve them? Should the law be respected? Should music win? Tell us in the comments down below!
