The Security Service of Ukraine has made a decision to put Russian citizen Yulia Samoylova on Ukraine’s stop list for a period of 3 years. The decision to ban Eurovision 2017 Song Contest participant from Russia from entering Ukraine was made strictly according to the requirements of Ukrainian legislation.

Since February 20, 2014 Ukraine has been in a state of international armed conflict with the Russian Federation following the Russia’s armed aggression. In 2014 the Russian Federation illegally annexed the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as well as occupied part of the Eastern Ukraine where it continues its terrorist activities.

In accordance with the Ukrainian law, foreigners and stateless persons are allowed to enter the temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation territory of Crimea and exit from it by presenting a special permission issued by the State Migration Service of Ukraine and at the established points of entry and exit on the territory of Ukraine.

All individuals who violate these rules — in other words, those who enter the occupied territory from Russia directly or from the territory not under Ukrainian control are subject to restrictions on entry to our country for a period of 3 to 10 years.

The Ukrainian Government has consistently urged all foreigners and international partners to refrain from visiting the territory, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies monitor all illegal visits to Crimea. In June 2015, the Russian singer Y.Samoylova in violation of the established requirements participated in a show “World of Sport and Kindness” in the occupied Crimea, organized by Russian occupation authorities. 

The Embassy of Ukraine would like to reiterate that rules are made to be respected and all irrespective of backgrounds should be judged by the same standards. No matter what nationality or profession is - foreigners must respect the laws of Ukraine and enter the occupied Crimea only through Ukrainian territory and after completion of the required procedures.