Overview

• Organizers say 23 countries are competing at Moscow’s Live Arena, spanning allies and partners across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the former Soviet bloc.
• Serguéi Kiriyenko touted potential reach to billions of viewers, while Foreign Minister Serguéi Lavrov repeatedly denied the event has political aims.
• Presenters announced on air that U.S.–Australian singer Vassy pulled out due to what they called unprecedented political pressure from Australia’s government.
• Intervisión departs from Eurovision mechanics with an on-site jury selecting the winner and a 30 million rouble cash prize for the top act.
• Officials have emphasized “traditional values,” stating there will be no LGBT+ concessions on stage and ruling out transgender performers.