European politicians congratulate Ukraine on winning 2022 Eurovision Song Contest
Read also: Zelensky speaks about the war at the 2022 Grammy music award ceremony
In a Telegram post on May 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would host Eurovision next year.
He thanked Kalush Orchestra for bringing victory, and to all those who voted for Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed confidence that a "victorious chord" from Ukraine in the battle with the enemy is not far off.
"Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe!” the Ukrainian president said.
“Ukraine will host Eurovision next year, for the third time in its history, and, I believe, not for the last time! We will do our best to one day host the participants and guests of Eurovision in Ukrainian Mariupol. Free, peaceful, rebuilt."
Read also: Ukrainian Eurovision fans demands disqualification of Russia from Eurovision Song Contest
First Lady Olena Zelenska in a Telegram post addressed the mother of the band's leader Stefania and noted that Ukraine is proud of her son together with her, and rejoices in the incredible victory of Kalush Orchestra.
"Now the whole world will sing a song about the Ukrainian mother, in Ukrainian," the first lady said, and congratulated the musicians and all of Ukraine on the victory.
Read also: Europe will have 'tricked' Ukraine if EU candidate status isn't given in June, says Ukraine's FM
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also congratulated Ukraine on its victory.
"It is a clear reflection of not just your talent, but of the unwavering support in your fight for freedom," the UK leader tweeted.
Johnson also wrote that he was incredibly proud of the British representative (Sam Ryder) and how he brilliantly represented the UK.
Read also: After Russia’s war, a stronger Ukraine and West will emerge
UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace tweeted: "Well done. All our thoughts are with you!"
President of the European Council Charles Michel also congratulated Kalush Orchestra.
"Ломаними дорогами прийду я завжди до тебе (I will always come to you on broken roads)," he tweeted, quoting a line from the band's song in Ukrainian.
"Wishing that next year's Eurovision can be hosted in Kyiv in a free and united Ukraine," Michel tweeted.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that Ukraine's song had won the heart of the world community, adding that the EU was with Ukraine.
Read also: EU’s Ursula von der Leyen tells how union’s sanctions have hit Russia, says Sberbank next target
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola promised to attend Eurovision in Kyiv next year.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell congratulated Ukraine, tweeting "Slava Ukraini! (Glory to Ukraine)."
Estonian President Alar Karis noted that Europeans were looking forward to see the next festival in Ukraine.
Read also: Why Putin is blackmailing Europe with gas
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda also congratulated Ukraine and wished "this be just one victory of many this year."
"Love always wins, truth always wins. Europe is with you, our hearts are with you," he tweeted.
Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu also joined in the congratulations.
Kalush Orchestra got 192 points from the jury and the highest audience score – 439 points (631 in total). The United Kingdom ranked second (466 points), and Spain came third (459 points).
Ukraine has set a Eurovision record for the number of audience votes in the history of the international song contest.
