Tensions between Russia and Ukraine spread to the Eurovision Song Contest on Wednesday after Kiev banned a Russian contestant from entering the country over a past performance in Moscow-annexed Crimea. Ukrainian security service (SBU) spokeswoman Olena Gitlyanska told AFP that Yuliya Samoilova had been banned from entry "for three years" for being "in violation of Ukrainian legislation."
The move infuriated Moscow, which rebuked Kiev for banning the 27-year-old singer, who uses a wheelchair. "This is yet another outrageous, cynical and inhumane act by the Kiev authorities," Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told the Interfax news agency. Samoilova performed at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, as well as at a gala concert in Crimea aimed at popularising sport in June 2015. The contest's organisers sharply criticised the ban, saying they were "deeply disappointed" by Kiev's decision. "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," the Geneva-based European Broadcasting Union said in statement sent to AFP. It said the organisers would "continue a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities" to ensure that all contestants can perform in Kiev in May.
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