#RUSSIA | CHANNEL 1 OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWN FROM THE CONTEST

After weeks of battles between the host broadcaster, EBU and Channel 1, the decision has been made about the Russian singer Yulia Samoylova in this year's event.

After the reveal of the Russian singer, a rumor emerged about Yulia being banned. Later, this rumor became a reality because the Ukrainian government found out that the Russian singer broke the Ukrainian laws by performing in Crimea.

Different solutions were proposed in order for Yulia to participate in this year's Eurovision. First, EBU proposed to the Russian delegation to let Yulia perform in Russia via satellite. Though, both Russian and Ukrainian broadcaster refused the proposition. One said it will be unfair because it is not the spirit of Eurovision to let an artist not competing with the others, and the other said even if it was via satellite, the host broadcaster can't even show her performing if it was via satellite.

Following that issue, the EBU sent a letter to the Ukrainian government in order to let the Russian singer perform and that the ban can take place after the contest, expressing also in the same time the disappointment from EBU toward the Ukrainian gorvernment. With no solution left, Russian broadcaster decided today to withdraw from the contest officially. However, Channel One stated during the days of the rumor about the ban of their artist that if she is banned and can't perform this year, Yulia Samoylova will be able to represent Russia next year at Eurovision Song Contest 2018. With Russia now out of the competition, the contest in May will welcome 42 countries performing their song just like Sweden last year. Last year, the Eurovision Song Contest should also had 43 countries, but Romania was disqualified due to financial issues with the EBU.

What do you think about this entire case and what do you think about the decision of the Russian broadcaster? You can let us know in the comment section down below.