The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have turned down a request by the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to address the competition.
It is being hosted in Britain following Ukraine's win last year, due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs the competition, has claimed any address by President Zelenskyy could politicise the event.
"The Eurovision Song Contest is an international entertainment show, and governed by strict rules and principles which have been established since its creation," a statement said.
"As part of these, one of the cornerstones of the contest is the non-political nature of the event.
"This principle prohibits the possibility of making political or similar statements as part of the contest".
Andrew Lambrou performing for Cyprus at the Eurovision Second Semi-Final in Liverpool, England. Picture by: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBUThe EBU said while President Zelenskyy's request to address the audience was "made with laudable intentions", it cannot be granted "as it would be against the rules of the event."
The EBU also said Ukrainian music, culture and creativity "feature strongly" throughout all three live shows.
"No fewer than 11 Ukrainian artists, including last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra, will be performing, or featuring in either the semi-finals or Grand Final," it said.
It also said the brand artwork for the event was created together with a Ukrainian design agency, and the incidental music featured throughout the show was composed in collaboration with Ukrainian musicians.
"We believe that this is the best way to reflect and celebrate Ukraine’s Eurovision Song Contest win and show we are United By Music during these hard times," the EBU added.
Ireland missed out on a place in this year's Grand Final on Saturday.
Wild Youth performed 'We Are One' as part of the first semi-final in Liverpool on Tuesday.
Ireland has not reached the Grand Final since 2018, with Ryan O'Shaughnessy's song 'Together'.
