Ukraine’s Eurovision Commentator Broadcasts From A Bomb Shelter

On Tuesday evening, Ukraine’s Eurovision commentator, Timur Miroshnychenko, broadcast from a bomb shelter amidst the ongoing war in the country.

Miroshnychenko livestreamed his commentary on the official Eurovision Ukraine YouTube channel to an audience of hundreds. He has been the commentator for Ukraine since 2007, except in 2017 when he co-hosted the contest in Kyiv.

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Shortly before the stream began, two pictures were posted on the @suspilne.eurovision Instagram account showing Miroshnychenko’s set up in the bunker. The caption read:

‘Our commentator Timur Miroshnychenko works from a bomb shelter. We remind you that the broadcast from the commentary studio of the first semi-final of Eurovision will start on May 10, at 22:00 on our YouTube channel “Eurovision Ukraine”’

Fans responded to the post with an outpour of support. One comment read ‘Our commentator is constant! ❤️ Thank you for your work and that despite the circumstances, you are with us! ????????????’. Another said ‘Fantastic job you are doing! ????’

Ukraine receivedspecial permission to compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest as the country faces repeated invasions by Russia. Favorites to win, their entry, Kalush Orchestra, received a standing ovation for their performance of their song Stefania.

17 countries performed in the first semi-final. Ukraine was one of ten countries that qualified for the final round. The other nine successful entries came from Switzerland, Armenia, Iceland, Lithuania, Portugal, Norway, Greece, Moldova, and the Netherlands. 18 more countries will compete in the second semi-final to join them in the final alongside the Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom).

The second semi-final of Eurovision airs on Thursday 12 May, and the finale on Saturday 14 May.