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Rishi Sunak says he is 'disappointed' President Zelensky has been blocked from addressing the Eurovision final

Rishi Sunak says he is 'disappointed' by the decision to block Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky from addressing the world at this Saturday's Eurovision grand final.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the event, said on Thursday night that it had declined Mr Zelensky's request to speak at the Eurovision Song Contest over fears it could politicise the contest.

He had wanted to make an unannounced video appearance and had been expected to implore the global audience of millions to continue backing his country in its fight to repel Russian invaders.

The EBU - an alliance of more than 100 broadcasters - turned down the request over concerns his appearance would risk politicising the event.