Yulia Samoylova

Ukraine is facing a substantial fine over delays in the organization of May’s Eurovision song contest and a decision to bar Russia’s entrant from entering Ukraine, the European Broadcasting Union said on Thursday.

Bulgaria's Kristian Kostov, the youngest performer in this year's Eurovision contest in Kiev, has made it among the 26 singers who will compete at the Grand Final on Saturday. According to predictions, he could well make it into the top three.

The Ukrainian Security Council has banned Russian singer Yulia Samoylova, set to represent Russia at the 2017 Eurovision song contest, from entering the country for three years.

The decision to bar the Russian singer, who has used a wheelchair since her childhood, from entering the Eurovision host country was announced on Wednesday by a Security Council spokeswoman.