Who Should Cover the Costs? 70% of Ukrainians Back Eurovision Participation.

Ukraine’s Eurovision Bid Enjoys Widespread Public Support

According to Novyny.live: Despite the ongoing war, a clear majority of Ukrainians favor their country’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest. A survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) from February 12 to 24, 2026, found that 70% of respondents either actively support or hold a neutral view toward Ukraine’s participation. In contrast, 27% of those polled believe the nation should skip the competition during wartime.

Debating How to Fund the Entry

Among those who endorse Ukraine’s presence at Eurovision, opinions on financing vary. Twelve percent think the government should cover all expenses from the state budget, while another 16% accept public funding but only if the show is scaled back. The largest group—42%—argues that private sponsors should foot the bill entirely.

The poll surveyed 2,004 adults, with a margin of error no greater than 2.8%. Eurovision 2026 is scheduled for May 12, 14, and 16 in Vienna, featuring 35 competing countries. Ukraine will be represented by singer LELÉKA.

These findings suggest that, even amid national hardship, many Ukrainians view cultural outreach on the global stage as a priority. For many, Eurovision is not just a chance to showcase national identity but also a platform to draw international attention to Ukraine’s current challenges. This perspective carries extra weight given the adversities the country continues to face.