Lavrov Comments on Eurovision, Says Intervision Planned in Saudi Arabia

Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has commented on the possibility of Russia returning to the Eurovision Song Contest, saying that the current criteria of the competition are not suitable for Russia.

Lavrov made the remarks during a joint press conference in Moscow on May 18 with Simeón Oyono Esono Angüe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Diaspora of Equatorial Guinea.

A journalist had asked whether Russia would take part in Eurovision in the future and whether the dates for the next Intervision contest had already been set.

In response, Lavrov said he had not recently heard any comments from Eurovision related to Russia. He said that, as in the European Union, some figures in the music sphere also appeared to be saying that they would consider whether or not to invite Russia.

Lavrov said Russia would not be able to meet the current criteria set for Eurovision participants. He stated that those criteria did not correspond to Russia’s cultural outlook and traditional values.

According to Lavrov, Russia feels comfortable working within multilateral formats such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other associations. He said these platforms focus not only on political, security, trade, economic and investment issues, but also on expanding cultural, humanitarian, educational, musical and sports ties.

Lavrov said more initiatives within BRICS and similar platforms are aimed at holding events based on traditional values, cultural diversity, music and the historical artistic traditions of their peoples.

He said the Intervision contest emerged from this very idea, with the goal of bringing together the traditional arts and cultural expressions of BRICS countries.

The first Intervision contest was held in Moscow last September. Lavrov said Saudi Arabia later announced that it would host the next contest in 2026. However, the dates for the event have not yet been set.

Lavrov expressed hope that developments in the Persian Gulf linked to actions by the United States and Israel would not affect plans to hold the contest this year.