This Saturday we saw another edition of the Ukrainian national final for Eurovision, Vidbir, which was won by Alina Pash with her song ‘Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors’. Soon after her win, doubts arose over wether Alina has abided by the rules set for Vidbir. Artists taking part cannot have entered the disputed area of Crimea through any other country than Ukraine. Entering Crimea through any other country is deemed illegal by the Ukrainian government.

Alina seemed good to go, as she could provide a document that said she has visited Crimea through Ukraine (and not Russia, in this case). However, upon some investigation by journalists, stories started emerging about this document being false. Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC said they would investigate the matter and, as long as this investigation is still running, they would not sign the ‘Eurovision contract’ with Alina.

Today, the official Ukrainian Eurovision page posted this message:

Translation:

The State Border Guard Service (SBGS) did not issue a document on entry into Crimea from Ukrainian territory, which Alina Pash provided to the Public Broadcaster, the SBGS told journalists from Public News.

Alina, who won Vidbir just days ago, now seriously risks not being able to represent Ukraine, which she intended to do with this song:

Do you think Alina will be able to represent Ukraine ultimately?
Let us know in the comments below.