13-year-old Ukrainian refuses to sing with Russians at Italy festival

Hromadske reported that 13-year-old Sofia Samoliuk was to take part in the famous Sanremo Junior festival in Italy. However, a few hours before the contest began on May 3, the organizers announced that Russians would participate.

The young Ukrainian singer refused to perform. However, she went on stage, but not to sing. Sofia made a speech on stage in which she pointed out the shameful fact that representatives of the aggressor country were present at the international festival.

“I decided I couldn't sing today. I found out that there are participants from Russia, a country that killed more than 500 Ukrainian children. Therefore, I cannot sing on the same stage with representatives of a terrorist country. Thank you all for your understanding,” she said from the stage.

Samoliuk said she hopes to perform on this stage next year, when no Russians are invited.

“I refused to take part in the festival because I believe it is unacceptable to perform on the same stage as a terrorist country. Right now children, women, men, and soldiers are dying. Therefore, it is wrong that a terrorist country is at a world festival. I reminded the audience from the stage that Ukraine still needs help. The war is ongoing!” the 13-year-old singer explained her position.

• The other day, Ukrainian singer Olya Polyakova took a photo with 'good Russians' and got into a scandal.