Who will represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2019

The uproar surrounding the national selection for the Eurovision 2019 contest continues. Following the combined jury and public vote, first place was taken by performer Maruv. The artist's team was invited to negotiate regarding compliance with the contract terms.

Negotiations

However, after sitting at the director's desk and spending seven hours there, the parties failed to reach an agreement. According to Maruv, the contract terms were onerous. Under the document, the artist would have had to perform at corporate events, resolve the issue of rights to the composition, cover all team expenses herself, and approve every step with the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine.

In the event of a breach of any clause of the contract, Maruv would have had to pay a fine of 2 million hryvnia. Weighing all the pros and cons, the performer's team refused to sign the document.

The singer herself does not regret this. In her words, declining Eurovision allows her to work on recording a new album, plan concerts in Ukraine, and meet fans from different cities across the country. Moreover, the artist asked people to treat the whole situation calmly and not engage in conflicts.

After Maruv's refusal, the offer to sign a contract with the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine was extended to the group Freedom Jazz, which took second place in the national selection. However, the group declined. They did not comment on their decision. It is not excluded that the refusal is motivated by solidarity with Maruv.

Next, the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine offered the group KAZKA, which took third place in the selection, to participate in Eurovision 2019. This was announced by NABU representative Alexandra Koltsova.

No official response from the group has been received yet. In the event that KAZKA also decides to decline participation in the contest, NABU will hold negotiations with other finalists of the national selection. It is not excluded that this year Ukraine will entirely withdraw from Eurovision 2019.

In the opinion of many, this would be the only correct step in the current situation.