Ukraine has officially started preparations for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. A regulatory committee has been formed and approved, Ukrainian radio reports UA: PBC Based on a government representative.

Despite the war with Russia, Ukrainians have been serious about organizing the next edition in their country since the Kalush Orchestra won the song contest last month. Earlier this month, Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said there was “no doubt” the event will take place in Ukraine next year.

“The only point is that no one has ever organized a song contest in wartime,” Tkachenko said at a press conference. According to him, the main points are currently being considered in consultation with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). “I think some of the terms should be modified in consultation.”

Traditionally, the Eurovision Song Contest is organized by the country that won the last edition, but due to the war it seems unlikely that this will be possible in Ukraine. EBU has not yet commented on this substantive issue. Following the Kalush Orchestra’s win, the overall organizer of the song contest spoke only of “unique challenges” to organizing next year.

Several countries recently announced that they want to help Ukraine organize or take over the entire event.