Main points
- Martin Green stated that Russia could theoretically return to Eurovision if it abides by the contest rules.
- Russia was suspended after the 2022 invasion due to the potential for damage to the competition's reputation, which was contrary to its values.
Martin Green said that theoretically Russia could return to Eurovision. / Photo Getty images and Canva / Collage of Channel 24
Eurovision 2026 Director Martin Green commented on the possibility of Russia participating in future contests.
His words sparked an active discussion online. They were quoted by British radio station LBC.
Martin Green said that theoretically Russia could return to Eurovision. According to him, the country was previously excluded because the Russian state broadcaster could not prove its independence from state power. At the same time, Green stressed that this decision was not directly related to the war. In his opinion, in such a case, the organizers would have to make “very subjective value judgments.”
When asked whether Russia's return is possible provided that the rules of the competition are followed, Green replied: “Theoretically, yes.”
For context! Martin Green has been the Executive Director of Live Broadcasting at the European Broadcasting Union since 2024 and is responsible, among other things, for the organization of the Song Contest.
What did the European Broadcasting Union previously say about Russia's participation in the contest?
After the full-scale invasion began in 2022, the EBU decided to suspend Russia from Eurovision. The organizers explained at the time that the country's participation could damage the reputation of the contest and contradicted its values.
After that, three Russian state broadcasters – VDTRK, Channel One, and Radio House Ostankino – withdrew from the European Broadcasting Union.