Russia’s answer to Eurovision is less kitsch, more Kremlin

President Vladimir Putin has initiated the revival of a global song competition with roots tracing back to the Soviet era. This move is widely interpreted as an effort by the Kremlin to shift international attention and domestic sentiment away from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Unlike the often flamboyant and diverse Eurovision Song Contest, Russia’s resurrected version is expected to project a more controlled and politically aligned cultural image, reflecting state priorities rather than a broad spectrum of artistic expression. The initiative aims to foster a sense of national pride and assert Russia’s cultural influence on the global stage, leveraging historical precedents to create a modern platform for soft power in a time of international isolation.