Ukrainian Eurovision artist Leléka criticized Greek singer Akylas for performing a t.A.T.u song during his concert in Athens
The Ukrainian participant from the recent Eurovision Song Contest, singer Leléka, was involved in an unexpected drama after surprisingly criticizing the Greek participant from the same contest, Akylas, following one of his recent performances in Athens.
The criticism emerged following the decision made by Akylas to perform the song “All The Things She Said“. The song was originally performed by the Russian duo t.A.T.u, an artistic choice that Leléka claimed deeply hurt her feelings. According to her, the members of the group openly support the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, she stated that the situation is particularly severe
because a major Russian strike on Ukraine took place on that very same day:
Today is a day of mourning in Kyiv. Following one of the largest Russian attacks on the city in recent months, at least 30 people have been killed, 99 have been injured, and 10 are still considered missing.
The song you shared was created by a Russian band that openly supports the terrorist state responsible for these attacks.
It broke my heart to hear this song from you. I truly hope this comes from a lack of awareness rather than indifference, because indifference is something we simply cannot afford. Today this terror is destroying Ukrainian cities. Tomorrow, it may reach even further.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions Revealed
Since the Eurovision Song Contest concluded a month and a half ago, the Ukrainian singer has experienced several dramatic developments in her life. Just last week, Leléka chose to reveal in an interview that her delegation boycotted the Bulgarian winner, DARA, due to suspected ties to Russia. The Ukrainian singer explained that her team and delegation did not communicate with all participants in the competition due to concerns over potential links that some of them might have with countries hostile to Ukraine – with the clear implication being Russia. Leléka admitted that DARA was added to a “special list” of artists with whom it was decided in advance not to maintain contact during her participation in the contest, in order to avoid friction or indirect support for Russia.
Despite the boycott and backstage tensions, the Ukrainian singer described a warm and close personal connection with Bulgaria. She has previously collaborated with Bulgarian actors on several projects, understands some of the local language, and describes herself as a big fan of Bulgarian cuisine. In an interview with Ukrainian media, when asked whether she believed that the victory of DARA was fair, she avoided giving an explicit answer. She praised the musical performance by DARA and the song “Bangaranga”, but noted that she still “has questions” regarding the concept of fairness in general.
Is a boycott the correct way to handle hostile relations? Is an artistic choice to perform a certain song at a concert truly worthy of condemnation? The answer remains open to interpretation.
Ukraine at Eurovision 2026
“Ridnym” is the title of the song that was performed by Leléka, who represented Ukraine at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Leléka finished 9th in the grand final with 221 points. The song was written by Viktoria Leléka, who also performs it, together with Adama Cefalu.
The main message of the song is that precisely through confronting fear and transforming pain into joy, people can grow to new heights and lead the way home, much like trees that rise even higher after the storm.
Eurovision 2026: This was Ukraine’s 21st participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine joined the competition in 2003 and has won it three times. Ukraine’s last victory was in Eurovision 2022 with the song “Stefania” performed by Kalush Orchestra.
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Aviad Berger – Israeli editor, reporter, and content creator specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He has been working with the EuroMix editorial team for about a year and a half. Since 2024, he has provided continuous Eurovision coverage from the host city, delivering live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Aviad is also a video editor and filmmaker active in the Israeli media industry.
