Russia's answer to Eurovision is less kitsch, more Kremlin

The article discusses Russia's resurrection of a Soviet-era global song contest, the "International Music Contest," as a response to the Eurovision Song Contest, which Russia was banned from due to its invasion of Ukraine. The new contest, initiated by President Vladimir Putin, is seen as an attempt to distract from Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Unlike the flamboyant and kitsch-filled Eurovision, the Russian version is more focused on promoting the Kremlin's political agenda and showcasing Russia's cultural power on the global stage. The article notes that the contest is part of Putin's broader effort to bolster Russia's soft power and international influence, particularly in the face of Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation following the invasion of Ukraine. By creating an alternative to Eurovision, Russia aims to present itself as a cultural and musical powerhouse, capable of challenging the dominance of the European Union-backed event.