A pseudo-international song contest 'Intervision' took place in Russia, which the Kremlin promotes as an alternative to Eurovision. The winner was Duc Phuc with a song based on Vietnamese legends. The event has been criticized for its lack of transparency and control by the authorities.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the final of the contest held in Moscow, while dictator Putin delivered a video address. Participants were mainly from countries under Russian influence or with economic dependence. The stage was adorned with Soviet symbols and slogans about 'fighting against Western dictatorship.'
This year, American singer VASSY was also supposed to perform, but her performance was canceled due to political pressure from the Australian government. The next contest is planned to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
Russia invented the 'Intervision' contest after being sidelined from Eurovision in 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine.