The article discusses the controversy surrounding some Eurovision 2024 contestants and their stances on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Here are the main points:
1. **Armenia’s Parg**: The Armenian contestant has been criticized for maintaining close cultural ties with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. He performed in Volgograd and Yekaterinburg, and recorded songs by Russian artists during the war.
2. **Ireland’s Emmy**: The Irish contestant is performing a song about Laika, a Soviet space dog who died in space. However, the song’s co-writer, Larissa Tormey, has expressed sympathy for people in Russia and opposed the war in Ukraine while also taking part in fundraising efforts for Ukrainian aid.
3. **Georgia’s Mariam Shengelia**: The Georgian contestant has faced backlash for openly supporting the pro-Russian ruling party, Georgian Dream, which has been accused of seizing power through fraudulent elections. She initially supported Ukraine but later shifted her stance and campaigned for the party ahead of the elections.
The article highlights the complexities of navigating international politics and cultural ties during a time of conflict. While some contestants have faced criticism for their stances on Russia’s war in Ukraine, others have used their platforms to express solidarity with Ukraine or raise awareness about important issues.
