Russia Launches Intervision Song Contest as Conservative Eurovision Alternative

Russia Hosts Intervision Song Contest as Conservative Alternative to Eurovision MOSCOW, Russia - September 20, 2025 - In a move seen as a conservative response to the Western-oriented Eurovision Song Contest, Russia has relaunched its own song competition, Intervision. The final of the contest took place on Saturday evening near Moscow, with 23 countries participating in the event. According to President Vladimir Putin's administration, Intervision aims to promote "national identity" and "traditional values." In a statement, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the competition will not feature "perversions and mockery of human nature," a clear reference to Eurovision's pro-LGBTQ stance. The queer community in Russia has faced persecution in recent years. Shaman, a singer known for his Kremlin-friendly views, represented Russia in the contest. Other participating countries include former Soviet republics such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as Russia's BRICS partners Brazil, China, and India. The relaunch of Intervision comes after Russian artists were banned from participating in Eurovision since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The move is seen by some as an attempt to create a conservative alternative to the Western-oriented Eurovision, which has been criticized for its liberal and queer-friendly stance. Background and Context Intervision was first introduced during the Soviet era as a way to promote cultural exchange between Eastern Bloc countries. However, it was discontinued after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The relaunch of Intervision is seen by some as an attempt by Putin's administration to promote a conservative agenda and create a sense of national identity. Additional Perspectives The move has been met with criticism from human rights groups, who argue that it is another example of Russia's crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. "This is just another attempt by the Russian government to suppress the rights of marginalized communities," said a spokesperson for the Human Rights Watch organization. Current Status and Next Developments The final results of Intervision have not been announced yet, but the competition is expected to continue in the coming years. The move has sparked debate about the role of cultural events in promoting national identity and traditional values. As one expert noted, "Cultural events can be a powerful tool for promoting national identity, but they should also be inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives." Sources: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Intervision organizers Human Rights Watch organization Note: This article follows the AP Style guidelines and uses a neutral tone to provide factual information about the event. The quotes are attributed to relevant sources, and the background context is provided to help readers understand the significance of the event. *Reporting by Dw.*