As it is customary for the winning nation to host the following year's Eurovision, Ukraine will not be breaking the tradition amid the Russian invasion.
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'Our music conquers Europe'
Folk-rap group, Kalush Orchestra, took home the crown in last night's Eurovision 2022, with the UK coming in second, a first time placing in the top three in 20 years. Following Ukraine's poignant victory, Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media to congratulate the winners and to confirm that the country will be able to host next year's Eurovision. In the post on Facebook, he said:
Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision! For the third time in its history. And I believe – not for the last time. We will make sure that one day the participants and guests of Eurovision host Ukrainian Mariupol.
Before adding:
Free, peaceful, restored! Thank you for the victory Kalush Orchestra and everyone who voted for us! Sure, our winning chord in the battle with the enemy is not far away. Glory to Ukraine!
'We have a duty to be useful to our country'
The rap group received a total of 631 points which ultimately allowed them to secure the victory. Oleh Psiuk of Kalush Orchestra said:
We feel a big responsibility, since we received permits to leave Ukraine to be here. We have a duty to be useful to our country at this moment. We didn't have any opportunity to rehearse together for a long time, but now, we've gone into 'extra mode'.
And added:
We're all very hard working, and we're all doing what we can to make this happen. We've enjoyed seeing people singing our song, even if they didn't know all the words. We really appreciate seeing people supporting Ukraine, and supporting us.
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