**Russia Revives Soviet-Era Song Contest**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to revive the Intervision song contest, which was popular in the Soviet Union. The contest is similar to Eurovision, but for countries in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Intervision was first held from 1965 to 1968 and again from 1977 to 1980. It served as a way for communist countries to compete against each other. Putin’s decree orders officials to hold the contest in Moscow in 2025. The goal is to promote “international cultural and humanitarian cooperation.”
**Russia Banned from Eurovision**
Russia was banned from participating in Eurovision after invading Ukraine in February 2022. This move was made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the contest.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that over 25 countries are interested in joining Intervision, including some in Latin America. Russian officials also claim that all BRICS nations will participate. These countries include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
**Eurovision History**
Russia has a history of participating in Eurovision, starting in 1994. The country’s only winner is Dima Bilan, who took first place in 2008. Moscow hosted the contest in 2009.
Ukrainian artists have won Eurovision three times: Ruslana (2004), Jamala (2016), and Kalush Orchestra (2022). Ukraine was unable to host the contest in 2023 due to ongoing war.
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