(news report)

‘Kalush Orchestra’ has obtained a stunning victory in the world’s largest song contest. Ukraine triumphs at Eurovision for the third time. In 2023 we’ll be a host country, what an honor!

Eurovision 2022 Grand Final occurred in Italy with the participation of 25 countries. ‘Kalush Orchestra’ came out at number 12 with the song ‘Stefania,’ which they performed, by the way, in Ukrainian. Although there’re no language restrictions at Eurovision, this is a surprising move, as everyone prefers English. Probably, in this way ‘Kalush Orchestra’ emphasized the importance of the native language for the national self-identification.

‘Stefania’ was written before the Russo-Ukrainian War and was dedicated to the Mum of frontman Oleg Psyuk. However, due to the war, it acquired new meanings. In particular, now the line ‘I will always walk to you by broken roads’ is associated with the longing for the parents’ house, despite the destruction, inflicted by military actions. By the way, a little later ‘Kalush Orchestra’ published a music video, shot in the cities destroyed by the rashists: Bucha and Irpen, Gostomel and Borodyanka.

Immediately after the performance, Oleg Psyuk addressed the billion-strong audience of Eurovision with the words: ‘I ask to all of you: please, help Ukraine, help Mariupol, help Azovstal! Right now!’ Although because of the search of shelled Azovstal and rocketed Mariupol by the Eurovision aficionados, the Ukrainian artists could be disqualified due to political statements (recall that such statements are strictly prohibited at Eurovision!) But the organizers of the song contest declared: ‘We understand the deep feelings around Ukraine at this moment and believe the comments of the Kalush Orchestra and other artists expressing support for the Ukrainian people to be humanitarian rather than political in nature.’

According to the results of the jury votes, Ukraine took 4th place, behind Great Britain, Sweden and Spain. However, audience votes were decisive. Ukraine broke through with a significant gap, almost 200 points! And at 2 a.m. our country was shaken by the news ‘Ukraine becomes the winner of Eurovision 2022!’ Already holding a statuette from the jury, Oleg Psyuk said that this victory was dedicated to all Ukrainians.

By the way, about the statuette. The band announced they were going to put it up for auction and send the profit to a charity fund to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

European leaders congratulated Ukraine on its victory and said they were anticipating Eurovision 2023 in liberated and united Ukraine. In particular, among those who sent hearty congratulations there were President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson, President of Estonia Alar Karis, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda and others.

In anticipation of another Ukrainian victory!