- The message that was taken right now is that Russia will not participate in the competitions in Turin, says Cilla Benkö in Swedish Radio Studio one.
The actions of the last few days from Russia make it impossible to include them in the competition, Cilla Benkö believes.
- When such an incredible historical event, with such implications, occurred early yesterday morning, it is clear that it will be a matter for the EBU and Eurovision.
There is an organization behind Eurovision that has valued this and has asked itself whether this is compatible with the values that the EBU wants to safeguard.
It has been concluded that: no, it is not.
"Only reasonable decision"
On Thursday, the EBU's position was that Russia would still be allowed to participate in the competition.
"We are a non-political cultural event", was the motivation.
The decision was criticized by several participating countries.
Finnish Yle announced that it intended to boycott the competition unless Russia was excluded.
SVT's CEO Hanna Stjärne has also called on the EBU to rethink.
She is pleased that Russia is now shut out.
- In the situation in which Europe finds itself, this is the only reasonable decision.
Russia cannot possibly be on stage at Eurovision when they have invaded another country.
As I said yesterday, it has crossed all borders.
That Russia is now excluded is a welcome and wise decision from the EBU, says SVT's CEO Hanna Stjärne.
The text is updated.