Russia will hold the final of its newly created Intervision Song Contest in Moscow on Saturday, an event introduced at President Vladimir Putin’s initiative after the country was barred from Eurovision in 2022.
The competition revives a Soviet-era brand and is designed to promote what Russian officials describe as “traditional family values.” Organizers say performers from 23 countries will take part, including representatives from China, India, and Brazil, with a combined audience reach of more than half the world’s population.
The contest offers a top prize of 30 million roubles (around $360,000) to the winning act. Oversight of the event has been placed under a Kremlin aide, highlighting the government’s close involvement in its creation and operation.
Ukraine has sharply criticized the project, labeling it a platform for Russian propaganda. Nevertheless, the show is set to be broadcast live across Russian television and, according to organizers, will be available online and potentially through foreign broadcasters. However, a full list of international networks carrying the show has not yet been published.
The event marks Russia’s attempt to position Intervision as a cultural counterweight to Eurovision, from which it remains excluded.
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