TURIN, Italy — Whereas within the third month of combating Russia’s invasion at dwelling, Ukraine got here out victorious at Europe’s musical competitors Eurovision.

Swept alongside on a wave of solidarity, the Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra racked up a document common vote after performing a catchy folk-rap tune and sending an emotional plea for the bombarded metropolis of Mariupol in japanese Ukraine. Russia has been shelling the Azovstal metal plant in Mariupol, a strategic port metropolis that has been besieged for greater than two months. Round 500 Ukrainian fighters have been trapped on the plant within the final pocket of resistance. 

“Our braveness impresses the world, our music conquers Europe,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Telegram.

Ukraine’s triumph in Europe’s long-running musical competitors, watched by almost 200 million all over the world, is greater than only a expertise award — it carries a particular political which means. As NATO diplomats gathered this weekend in Germany, the navy alliance’s deputy chief referred to as the Ukrainian victory in Turin a testomony to the nation’s bravery and a rebuke to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “most brutal and cynical warfare” since World Warfare II.

“So I’m saying that we’re united. We’re sturdy, [and] will proceed to assist Ukraine in profitable this warfare,” NATO Deputy Secretary-Common Mircea Geoană stated.

European politicians additionally jumped onto Twitter to salute the victory. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola promised to go to Kyiv for Eurovision subsequent yr, whereas Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas noticed the victory as a renewed signal Europe was steadfast in its assist of Ukraine. 

The overwhelming common assist within the Eurovision competitors additionally got here regardless of vitality sanctions on Russia which might be taking a rising chew out of Europeans’ wallets.

Ukraine’s success

A tribute to steer singer Oleh Psiuk’s mom, the Ukrainian folk-rap tune turned a rallying cry for Ukraine amid the Russian warfare. An unlimited whole of 631 factors put Ukraine properly away from the opposite contestants. The nation obtained the best variety of factors from the general public within the historical past of Eurovision with 439 factors.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the Eurovision contest, banned Russia from taking part on this yr’s occasion the day after its invasion of Ukraine. Whereas the physique has beforehand disqualified songs for being overtly political, the final time it kicked out a rustic was Yugoslavia in 1993, almost 30 years in the past. 

Kalush Orchestra was given particular permission to depart Ukraine to carry out within the European musical contest. One band member stayed behind to battle on the frontlines. The group is predicted to return in two days. A volunteer within the nation’s warfare effort, entrance man Psiuk stated he wanted to assist individuals discover shelter, transportation and drugs.

“Like each Ukrainian, we’re going to battle, and battle till the top,” Psiuk stated at a press convention after the victory.

Greater than two thousand kilometers away from the standing ovation in Turin, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pledged to host subsequent yr’s Eurovision contest in a free, peaceable and rebuilt nation. He recommended inviting followers and contestants to Mariupol “in the future.”

The European Broadcasting Union, organizer of the competitors, was extra cautious and highlighted the “distinctive challenges” concerned in internet hosting Eurovision.

UK shock

The U.Ok. defied the chances by coming in second after being final with zero factors within the earlier yr. The nation obtained the best marks from EU members together with France, Belgium, Germany and Austria.

“We obtained extra factors at present than we obtained within the final 10 years,” stated Mike, 54, from Nottingham, exulting in his Union Jack jacket. “Nobody believed this may occur after Brexit.”

U.Ok. Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed how “extremely proud” he was of British singer Sam Ryder and prolonged his congratulations to Ukraine. “It’s a clear reflection of not simply your expertise, however of the unwavering assist to your battle for freedom,” stated Johnson.

Again in Turin’s stadium the place many have been waving blue and yellow flags, Irina, 34, who fled Ukraine in the beginning of the warfare and now lives in Austria, stated the musical victory gave her hope.

“It’s good to have Europe on our facet.”