Russia was banned from the Eurovision song contest 2022 after it invaded Ukraine. This year, Russians have also been excluded from voting in the contest in the new voting category "rest of the world" Despite this, the competition is discussed among Russians on social media and followed on YouTube.
Slovak entry is the Russians' favorites, while the Croatian entry "Mama šč!" criticizing Putin is not mentioned at all. Even on social social media, Russians are in favor of Ukraine's president being denied.