Eurovision Judge Ruslana Under Fire for Alleged Rule Violation.

Controversy Erupts at Ukraine's National Selection

According to TSN.ua: A potential breach of Eurovision rules has sparked debate among fans after judge Ruslana publicly urged viewers to vote for her favorite, Leléka. Judges in the national selection process are required to remain impartial in their assessments of contestants, making this incident a significant point of contention.

During a broadcast for the contest, which will be held in Vienna in 2026, Ruslana explicitly voiced her support for Leléka, stating:

“I call on all of you to choose Leléka for Eurovision in Vienna 2026.”

This direct appeal has raised concerns, as rules set by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) strictly prohibit judges from campaigning for any participant. The Eurovision Song Contest is a major international event where impartiality is crucial for maintaining its credibility.

A Pattern of Impartiality Concerns

This incident echoes a similar case from last year, when Kateryna Pavlenko was replaced as a judge after showing support for the band Ziferblat ahead of Eurovision 2025. These events underscore the critical importance of adhering to impartiality rules during the participant selection process, as such behavior can influence voting outcomes and undermine public trust in the competition.

The situation serves as a stark reminder of the need to uphold ethical standards in competitions that aim to ensure transparency and fairness. Observing the organizers' response and commentary from fellow judges will provide insight into how this matter is resolved and what measures may be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.