Last September, when Ukraine announced that it would withdraw from Eurovision 2015, our hearts sank. The land of divas like Ruslana and Ani Lorak (that’s Karolina backwards) brought drama and fabulosity during its first 12 appearances, and we knew this year’s Eurovision would be just a little less colourful as a result.

Well dry those tears, baby! Just hours ahead of tonight’s grand final, Zurab Alasania, the general director of Ukraine’s National Television Company (NTU), has confirmed to Ukraine’s Apostrophe that Kyiv will likely return in 2016. They will finalize details in the coming months.

Their withdrawal stemmed partly from financial difficulties and partly out of respect for the ongoing crisis in the country. If Russia’s Polina Gagarina — one of the favourites this evening — wins, NTU may retract its promise.

In 2014 Ukraine sent Maria Yaremchuk with the song “Tick Tock”. It ultimately finished sixth in a field of 26 finalists.

Mariya Yaremchuk interview: War, politics, fashion

Are you glad that Ukraine is returning next year? Do you think they will retract their statement? Let us know in the comments!

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