Ukraine’s Eurovision 2023 Hopeful: "The World Must Hear Us"

In an interview with Kyiv Post, folk artist, singer, and poet Maryna Krut, who will take part in the final of the national selection for Eurovision 2023 on Saturday, Dec. 17, spoke about the hidden meaning of her Contest song, which is called "Lullaby." She emphasized that she fully supports her beloved man who is fighting on the front, and shared her dreams about the future of Ukraine.

Read the full interview below:

Why did you decide to apply to perform for the Eurovision Song Contest for the second time? What motivated you to participate in the National Selection this year?

The first thing that motivated me was an organic message. Last year, for example, I did not put myself forward as a candidate because I needed to figure out what to sing about, what I wanted to convey to the world, and what position I had. Now I know my position, what I want to say to through the competition, and what I want to "shout out" about. About Ukraine, to the whole world.

What is your song about? To whom is it dedicated?

My song is called "Lullaby". But this is an encrypted name; in fact, it's not a lullaby to which small children fall asleep. It's a song to which you wake up, and it opens your eyes. It's dedicated to all Ukrainian children contemplating rockets flying across the sky. It's also dedicated to all the children waiting for their fathers to come back from the front. Of course, it's also dedicated to my relatives defending our country. And in general, to all Ukrainians who live in Ukraine and witness this war every morning.

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Have you talked to Ukraine’s previous Eurovision winners (Kalush, Jamala, Serdiuchka) about their winning formula and obtained any advice regarding their performances?

I didn't seek any advice from anyone, I wrote the song myself. I watched the success of these people and, of course, like other artists, I thought of repeating the formula for success. But, I knew that it wouldn't work. So I didn't even try to. My song was born so quickly and organically that I didn't need any advice.

Do you think the contest and taking part in it are appropriate at present, in wartime? And can the situation in Ukraine affect the result? After all, Eurovision is known not to be an apolitical contest.

I believe it is essential for Ukraine to present itself well at Eurovision this year and be heard by the world. Remember what Google's statistics were for the query "Azovstal" after the speech by Kalush Orchestra. How well we highlighted the topics that are important to us, how we can ask for help, and how we can thank the Europeans for their help in this bloody and unjust war. And so I believe that culture is very important at the present time. It is very "relevant," and if we have such a platform as Eurovision, we should use this chance and represent Ukraine with dignity.

How do you feel about the decision to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in the UK?

I’m so sorry that the Eurovision Song Contest won’t be held in Ukraine. Perhaps we will change the course of history this year and make sure that Ukraine wins again and brings back the Eurovision Song Contest to Ukraine. All the tourists who’ll come to this contest will see that Ukraine is a beautiful, young and prosperous country. I’m going to literally cry right now. This is so painful for me; I would like our country to be seen by as many people as possible. What beauty Ukraine has, what mountains, wonderful people, services, restaurants, and craftsmen it has! What a sea we have, what incredibly beautiful cities we have. Ukraine is so beautiful and so spacious that we should definitely hold this competition.

Your boyfriend is on the front right now. How do you support him? How do you shold up when you're aware a loved one is in danger?

Yes, my boyfriend is at the front right now. And you know, if I were a man, I would also go to the front. I was torn time and time again by this, as I wanted to serve in the territorial defense force, but no-one drafted me. And, probably, no-one will (smiles). But he took a very proper decision, and I support him in this decision. I know how difficult it is. In the summer, I was waiting for him to return from very hot spots. It was incredibly difficult. At that moment, I realized that girls who are waiting for their men to come back from the front could only be understood by those in a similar situation. I hope the war ends soon, but I'm ready for a long marathon. I will keep my fingers crossed and believe that my loved one will be back home soon.