Sevastopol authorities approve the idea of hosting Eurovision

Sevastopol’s city authorities have approved the idea of holding Eurovision in the Crimean port city, responding to an idea put forward earlier by a Ukrainian historian.

Volodymyr Viatrovych, director of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, had stated that, in the case of a Ukrainian victory in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, the contest would take place in Sevastopol in 2017.

“It’s a very good idea to hold Eurovision in the glorious city of Sevastopol. [...] But this will only be possible if a Russian performer wins [the contest],” said lieutenant governor of Sevastopol Alexander Reshetnikov in an interview with RIA Novosti.

One of the favourites to represent Ukraine this year is Jamala, a singer of Crimean Tatar descent. Her song, entitled 1944, refers to the forced deportation of Crimean Tatars from Crimea in 1944. Russia will be represented by popular singer Sergey Lazarev.

While the political status of the city remains uncertain, Sevastopol is de facto controlled by Russia.

Source: RIA Novosti