Ukrainian authorities prevent Russia’s provocation with Eurovision – President Poroshenko

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said this at a briefing during his official visit to the Republic of Latvia, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The European Broadcasting Union suggested several options for solving this issue, starting with the possibility of Russian singer’s performance via satellite and ending with the replacement of the participant. As you know, Russia did not need the participation in Eurovision, it needed provocation. I am happy that this provocation was prevented thanks to the effective actions of the Ukrainian authorities," Poroshenko said.

He noted that Ukraine is absolutely clear and consistent in its stance on the non-recognition of illegal annexation of Crimea. The travels to the peninsula are allowed only through the administrative border with Kherson region. The President reminded that any other way was a violation of the Ukrainian legislation, which entails sanctions.

"The Russian side was perfectly aware of that. Russia consciously made the decision [regarding Yulia Samoilova’s participation in Eurovision]. The Ukrainian government did not succumb to that provocation. We act consistently towards all those, who violate the Ukrainian legislation. That is why, the authorities did not grant permission to cross the Ukrainian border," Poroshenko noted.

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