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The 2022 Eurovision contest<\/a> is on the way this May, and it feels like the glitz, glamour and escapism that the show gives us is sorely needed given recent global events.<\/p>\n The contest was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 but did return in style last year to give us a boost.<\/p>\n In the past few weeks, the news has been dominated by the war in Ukraine, and central to that conflict is Russia, who were originally set to perform at Eurovision.<\/p>\n But has the war changed that? Read on for the latest news (accurate at the time of publication)<\/p> To cut to the chase, no, Russia will not be taking part in Eurovision 2022. When the invasion of Ukraine began, calls were immediately made for Russia to be excluded.<\/p>\n While the European Broadcasting Union initially said that Russia would be allowed to compete, that soon changed when many of the competing countries voiced their opposition to allowing them to remain.<\/p>\n The EBU statement read: \u201cThe decision reflects concern that, in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year\u2019s contest would bring the competition into disrepute.<\/p>\n Statement from @EBU_HQ<\/a> regarding Russia’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.https:\/\/t.co\/HmKJdqVE4J<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/tVH6yFxzbq<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) February 25, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote>Will Russia be in Eurovision 2022?<\/strong><\/h2>\n