As preparations get underway for Vienna’s hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 next May, Ukraine’s national broadcaster, Suspilne become the latest to confirm their participation.
🇺🇦 Ukraine to participate in Eurovision 2026
Currently there are no details regarding the upcoming Vidbir 2026 that will select Ukraine’s representative for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. However, it has been announced that the national final will feature a number of surprises to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Eurovision.
Oksana Skybinska, Head of Delegation:
“In 2026, Eurovision will be a landmark musical event, as it marks the contest’s anniversary. Large-scale events and heightened media attention are exactly what we can expect.
For Ukraine, this is a chance to make our voice heard louder than ever and once again affirm the strength and the uniqueness of our musical DNA. Considering the challenges posed by the previous contest, we want to prove that Ukraine is above all about incredible artists who create music of European quality, set trends, convey profound meanings and through their own example proudly demonstrate the high level of creativity born under the incomparable hardship of war.
The anniversary contest which will draw the world’s attention, is the perfect opportunity to do so. In addition, given this milestone year for Eurovision, we are preparing surprises for the national selection. We will start revealing them very soon.”
Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest
Vidbir was first used to select the country’s song and artist in 2016, which saw Jamala win in Stockholm, Sweden with ‘1944‘. Since their debut in 2003, Ukraine has qualified every year for the grand final, being the only country to have done so and has won the contest on three occasions. In their second year of participation, Ukraine took their maiden victory with Ruslana and the crowd pleasing, tribal anthem, ‘Wild Dances‘.
In 2022 Ukraine achieved their third victory for Kalush Orchestra and ‘Stefania‘. Last year it was the turn of Ziferblat to represent the nation with their entry, ‘Bird of Pray’. During the Basel final, the band finished 9th with 218 points.
Who should represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2026? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see interviews and reactions to the latest Eurovision news.
