'Russian satellite at Eurovision '

geneva/moscow - The Russian singer Yulia Samojlova would possibly anywhere outside Ukraine directly participate via a satellite link to the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev. This is considering the European association of public broadcasters, the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) which organizes the festival. It would be the first time that a candidate participate remotely.

The EBU is concerned about the Ukrainian-Russian dispute about the disabled artist Samojlova. It would be the Russian entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. She has previously performed at The incorporated by Russia Crimea and therefore Ukraine will not allow it. According to Ukrainian law, is traveling to the Crimea over Russian territory punishable. Crimea became part of Ukraine in 1954 and was annexed by Russia in 2014.

The EBU said in a statement published Thursday that she is an apolitical organization. She fears that Kiev does not address the Russian requirement Samojlova or admit. The EBU will therefore look with the Russian public broadcasting or she can participate via a satellite link and so 'the spirit of the festival of unity and diversity' uphold. All 43 participants should be able to participate, according to the EBU.

Russia called the admission of Ukraine to Samojlova 'unfair' and 'a blow to the image' of the song contest. Russia expects that Ukraine's decision to not admit the singer reconsider, said a spokesman of the Kremlin on Thursday.