Boris Johnson said he hopes Ukraine will be able to host the Eurovision song contest next year, after the country was disqualified due to war with Russia.
Ukraine won this year’s competition, but event organizers say the 2023 edition cannot go ahead in the war-torn country, with The UK is considered a possible host country.
But speaking to reporters at RAF Brize Norton after returning from an unannounced visit to Kyiv, the prime minister said he hoped the contest could take place in Ukraine.
He said: “Ukrainians won the Eurovision Song contest. I know we had a great entry, I know we came in second and I would love to be in this country.
“But the reality is they won and they deserved it. I believe they can and I believe they should have it.
“I believe Kyiv or any other safe Ukrainian city would be a great place to have it.”
The BBC has been negotiating with the European Broadcasting Union over hosting the event after the EBU ruled it could not continue in Ukraine as war broke out in the country.
The move will be a break with the tradition of next year’s event winners.
Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra lifted spirits at home as they headed to victory in May. The UK came in second in the 2022 competition thanks to Sam Ryder’s performance of “Space Man”.
Sam Ryder is second
Ukraine’s Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko, like the country’s three previous winners, opposed the EBU’s decision, saying that holding the contest in Ukraine would send a “strong signal” of support. .
Russian forces have shifted their focus to Donbas after a series of setbacks early in the war, including failing to capture the Ukrainian capital.
Mr Johnson said Kyiv looked “much more alive” than before.
“I’ve just been to Kyiv. I wouldn’t say it’s all fun and loud and bobbing but it’s far, far more alive.
“People are much more confident. People are out eating in cafes and restaurants in a way they didn’t have a few weeks ago,” he said.
