Ukrainian singer LELÉKA will represent Ukraine at the 70th [1] Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria [1].
Her selection comes at a time when Ukraine continues to use the international competition as a platform for cultural visibility and national identity on the global stage.
LELÉKA, whose real name is Victoria Kornikova [1], secured her spot after winning the national selection process on Feb. 9, 2026 [1]. She will compete with the song titled “Ridnym” [2]. The event is scheduled to take place in May 2026 [1] in the Austrian capital.
The path to the contest was not without controversy. A dispute emerged regarding whether a public endorsement from singer Ruslana violated the rules of the national selection. BBC Ukrainian said Ruslana’s statement was “agitation” in the context of the selection process, while Interfax Ukraine said the comment did not violate any rules.
LELÉKA's victory marks the culmination of a competitive domestic search for a performer capable of navigating the high-pressure environment of the 70th [1] edition of the contest. The singer has since addressed the public discourse surrounding her win and the specifics of her upcoming performance in Vienna [2].
As the competition nears, the focus remains on the production of “Ridnym” and its potential to resonate with a diverse European audience. The host city of Vienna [1] is preparing for the influx of delegations and fans for the May 2026 [1] event.
“LELÉKA will represent Ukraine at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria.”
The selection of LELÉKA and the accompanying debate over selection rules highlight the intense scrutiny and cultural weight the Eurovision Song Contest carries for Ukraine. By sending a contemporary artist with a specific national entry, Ukraine continues to leverage the contest's massive viewership to maintain its cultural presence in Europe during a period of ongoing geopolitical instability.
