June 30, 2022 - 1598 views
If Ukraine are unable to hold the Eurovision song contest at home in 2023, Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders has backed calls for the competition to be held here in Wales.
Against the backdrop of a Russian invasion, Ukraine were successful in winning this year’s competition with the United Kingdom closely following in second place.
However, in the dreadful circumstances that the country faces, questions have been raised over whether the contest can be held safely.
Commenting on yesterday’s Welsh Conservative debate on Eurovision, Mrs. Finch-Saunders said: “Other than sporting events, the Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most watched annual international television events in the world, drawing in 600 million viewers each year.
"In light of the war in Ukraine, this year has been a kindly reminder of how important events such as Eurovision can be.
"There’s nothing more I want to see than Ukraine host it next year, but in the scenario where they cannot, Wales would be more than willing to facilitate Ukraine being the host nation in Wales.
"If held in Wales, I want to see profits from Eurovision donated to charities in Ukraine and refugees given free tickets to attend the contest.”
Elaborating further she said: “Over the past few months, Ukraine have shown their true determination and grit to be a beacon of freedom and democracy here in Europe.
"Regardless of where and when the next Eurovision is held, this is another opportunity for us to join in solidarity with Ukraine and send a hard strong message to Russia.
"Russia’s war campaign on European soil, will not go unpunished. Putin and his military generals will answer for the war crimes they have committed, and Wales and the United Kingdom will stand unwaveringly with its Ukrainian ally until every last tank, solider, fighter jet and naval ship has left Ukraine for good.”
