Ukrainian Eurovision Finalist Faces Allegations of Collaboration with Russian Producer.

Scandal Erupts Around Valeriya Force

According to TSN.ua: A finalist in Ukraine's national selection for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, Valeriya Force (real name Valeriya Symulyk), is at the center of a scandal following allegations of collaboration with a Russian national known as D.Woo. The controversy erupted after the participant draw on January 15th. The Eurovision Song Contest has a long history of intertwining music and politics, making such allegations particularly sensitive.

Blogger Bohdan Bespalov publicly revealed information linking Valeriya Force to D.Woo, a sound engineer and producer residing in the Russian Federation. D.Woo is known for his work with Russian artists, including Lyosha Svik. These revelations have caused significant concern among fans and fellow participants in the national selection process.

Musical Career and Potential Consequences

Valeriya Force released an album titled 'My Dark Side' in 2024, but her alleged professional ties to figures in the Russian music industry have now become a major topic of discussion in media and on social networks. This situation could potentially impact her continued participation in the Eurovision selection. Given the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian public sentiment strongly opposes cultural cooperation with Russia.

The scandal underscores the extreme sensitivity surrounding any collaboration with Russian artists under the current political circumstances. Public backlash against such associations can severely damage an artist's reputation and their chances of success in an international competition like Eurovision. Consequently, this issue is likely to be a significant factor in the unfolding events of the national selection and in shaping perceptions of Ukrainian participants.