Singer Olya Polyakova has announced her intention to participate in the National Selection for Eurovision 2026, but expressed dissatisfaction with the current rules of the contest. She sent an official letter to the Public Broadcaster demanding that it review the provisions that, in her opinion, limit the right to participate.
In response, Suspilne emphasized that the rules have already been approved and are not subject to change after the start of the selection, which began on September 3, 2025. The broadcaster's statement notes that the document was developed taking into account many years of experience to ensure honesty, transparency, and public trust in the process.
Company representatives emphasized that the Ukrainian National Selection is public, unlike in some countries where the participant is determined by an internal decision of the TV channel. In Ukraine, the choice should be made by the entire audience, not a limited circle of people.
The public also confirmed that it will not allow artists who performed in Russia, Crimea, or other occupied regions after 2014, as well as in Belarus after February 24, 2022, to participate. The company recalled that these norms are fundamental and cannot be changed for reasons of "personal stories or merit."
