Russian troops set to withdraw from around Ukraine’s second-largest city of Kharkiv as grinding battle continues in the country's eastern industrial heartland on 81st day of Russia's attacks.
Kalush Orchestra was among 25 bands performing in the Eurovision Song Contest final in front of a live audience in the industrial northern city of Turin, while millions more watched on TV or via streaming around the world.
Ukraine's entry in Eurovision is tipped as the favourite to win this year's contest riding a wave of sympathy following Russia's offensive in the country.
While economic and political sanctions against Russian aggression continue, arts and sports organisations are also imposing boycotts of Moscow.
Russia continues with its Ukraine offensive as its soldiers close in on capital Kiev, drawing condemnations and expansive economic sanctions from the West. Follow our live updates:
The rock band's win was only Italy’s third victory in the contest and the first since Toto Cutugno took the honour in 1990.
Organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest said the gesture by Iceland's Hatari infringed upon their rules banning political gestures.
While politicians in Tel Aviv claim the latest ceasefire deal with Hamas was at its own request, a concern that participants may not attend or even boycott Eurovision meant that Israel wanted hostilities to end quickly.
A 50-strong coalition of Britain's creative industries says the broadcaster should "act on its principles" and call for the annual competition to be moved over Israel's "systematic violation of Palestinian human rights."
It's supposed to be a festival of peace and unity that celebrates diversity. But this year's Eurovision song contest has hit the wrong note and for the first time in the competition's history, a country has been banned from taking part.
Russia's participation in the Kiev contest in May is fraught with political tensions as the two ex-Soviet neighbours have been locked in a bitter feud since Moscow annexed Crimea in March 2014.
Crimean Tatar singer Jamala puts her stamp on 61th Eurovision Song Contest held in Stockholm with '1944'
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