Russia has been kicked out of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The organisers said Russia’s participation would “bring the competition into disrepute”.

Statement from @EBU_HQ regarding Russia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.https://t.co/HmKJdqVE4J pic.twitter.com/tVH6yFxzbq

The 66th Eurovision contest is due to be held in Turin in May after rock act Maneskin claimed victory last year.

Ukraine invasion: Latest from the UK and the rest of the world

Finland said it would boycott the event if Russia was allowed to take part, while other European public broadcasters, including Ukraine’s, called for Russia to be expelled.

Other countries, including the Netherlands and Latvia, said they were concerned about acts from Russia and Ukraine competing.

The contest is the most watched live, non-sporting event in the world.

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