Scandal over Ukraine's Eurovision 2025 entry

Scandal over Ukraine's Eurovision 2025 entry: monetisation via a label operating in Russia?

The Ukrainian group Ziferblat, which will represent the country at Eurovision 2025, has found itself at the centre of a scandal due to a contract with the French label Belive. It has emerged that this company continues its operations in the Russian market. As a result, questions arise as to exactly where the revenue from the monetisation of the contest song will go.

A contract that is difficult to terminate

The musicians previously explained their work with Belive by citing a valid five-year contract. According to them, terminating the agreement would be too costly, making such a step practically impossible. However, participation in Eurovision is not only about music but also politics, and therefore this situation has provoked a mixed reaction.

A precedent in the Ukrainian music industry

Previously, Ukrainian contestants had taken the stage with songs released on labels not linked to the Russian market. The situation with Ziferblat looks different, although they are far from the only Ukrainian artists continuing to cooperate with international labels operating in the Russian Federation.

Who will get the money?

It is important to understand that tracks from the Eurovision Song Contest can generate income for many years after the performance. Therefore, a portion of the funds from the monetisation of Ziferblat's contest song will remain with Belive.