Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged that his country will do its best to host the <a href="https://vt.co/news/entertainment-news/ukraine-has-won-the-eurovision-song-contest-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eurovision</a> song contest in Mariupol next year. Last night, Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra took home the Eurovision trophy for their nation. The victory means that next year, hosting duties will fall to Ukraine - which is currently under relentless military invasion from Russia. Despite this, President Zelensky has remained optimistic and vowed to host the contest in the port city of Mariupol, which has come under heavy Russian bombardment over the past few months. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/scottygb/status/1524112047889436674]] Talking on Telegram, Zelensky said he had plans to rebuild the city in time for Eurovision. "Our courage impresses the world, our music conquers Europe! Next year Ukraine will host Eurovision!" he said, per <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/05/15/mariupol-will-host-eurovision-2023-pledges-volodymyr-zelensky/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Telegraph.</a> "We will do our best to one day host the participants and guests of Eurovision in Ukrainian Mariupol. Free, peaceful, rebuilt! I am sure our victorious chord in the battle with the enemy is not far off," the president added. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/sarah_the_rtist/status/1525614733956628482]] Despite Zelensky's claims, it will be a huge task to host the song contest in Mariupol. According to the city's mayor, it has been over<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60825226"> 90% destroyed</a> by Russian bombardment. Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision song contest with an eye-popping 631 points. The United Kingdom's Sam Ryder came in second place with 466 points, and third and fourth place went to Spain and Sweden respectively. The group's frontman, Oleh Psiuk, made a heartfelt appeal to the audience on behalf of his besieged country. "I ask all of you, please help Ukraine, Mariupol. Help Azovstal, right now," he said. Meanwhile, Ukraine's official Twitter account tweeted its congratulations to the band, as well as expressing gratitude to everyone who had voted for them. [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1525612438661615617]] "You have melted our hearts, friends #Eurovision... and it matters the world to us during this time," the tweet read. "We send all your love and support to our brave freedom defenders at Azovstal and along the frontline. Congrats, KALUSH Orchestra," it added. If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click <a href="https://vt.co/news/world/heres-how-you-can-support-those-affected-by-the-ongoing-crisis-in-ukraine">HERE</a> to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis. <h6>Featured Image Credit: American Photo Archive / Alamy</h6>

Zelensky vows to work towards hosting Eurovision 2023 in Mariupol after Ukraine's win

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