Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has announced that singers from 23 countries will participate in the upcoming Intervision song contest, a Russian alternative to the Eurovision contest. This development comes after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to its ban from participating in Eurovision. The Intervision contest is seen as an attempt to revive international performance opportunities for Russian singers.
According to Lavrov, a participant from the United States will take part in the contest, with the US administration stating that it should be a private matter for the performer. However, the US will not be represented on the jury or send an official delegation. Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration, noted that some potential participants were prevented from taking part due to political restrictions imposed by their own governments.
The contest, scheduled to take place on September 20, 2025, in Moscow, will feature performers from over 20 countries, including BRICS member states, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and nations from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Lavrov emphasized that the event aims to promote Russia and its people, and that the country is interested in showcasing its culture and identity.
The Intervision contest is taking place amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia launching thousands of drones, glide bombs, and missiles at targets inside the country over the past two weeks, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite months of US-led peace efforts, a peace settlement appears to be no closer, with US President Donald Trump’s ultimatums and deadlines for Russian President Putin to engage with proposals to stop the fighting having passed without obvious consequences.
The Intervision contest has sparked interest as a potential tool for Russia to boost its soft power and cultural influence on the international stage. With its diverse lineup of performers and international participation, the event is expected to draw significant attention and scrutiny. As the contest approaches, it remains to be seen how it will be received by the global community and what impact it will have on Russia’s reputation and relationships with other countries.
