Ukraine has barred the Russian entry for the Eurovision, Julia Samoilova, from entering the country for three years.
Ukraine is due to host Eurovision in Kiev in May.
Russia and Ukraine have been at loggerheads since the annexation of Crimea and subsequent fighting in east Ukraine, which Moscow is accused of stoking.
The 27-year-old singer has confirmed that she sang in Crimea in 2015, which caused the country to bar her.
Barred: The Russian entry is barred from entering Ukraine for the Eurovision song contest | RUSSIA 1
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which founded Eurovision, said it was “deeply disappointed” by the news.
In a statement it said, “We have to respect the local laws of the host country, however we are deeply disappointed in this decision as we feel it goes against both the spirit of the contest and the notion of inclusivity that lies at the heart of its values.”
The EBU said it would “continue a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the aim of ensuring that all artists can perform” in Kiev.
