Among members of the Russian public there was disappointment over what they saw as a growing politicisation of the contest.
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But the song also has deep resonance for contemporary Ukraine, where memories of that horror were revived by Russia’s seizure of Crimea and Jamala’s poignant lyrics tell the story of a people with a history of persecution that continues to this day.
Ukraine’s ex-prime minister Arseniy Yasenyuk, leaped upon Jamala’s victory to make a political point. The bookies’ favorite, Russia’s Sergey Lazarev, singing You Are The Only One, ended up in the third place.
Russian Federation and Ukraine have been at crosshairs ever since Ukraine’s pro-Moscow leader Viktor Yanukovych was toppled from power.
Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 was condemned by the United States and European Union, which responded by imposing punishing sanctions.
The outlet called for the results to be reviewed because of the “political” content of Jamala’s song and warned gay spectators they face a rough reception in Ukraine next year.
As Ukraine was announced the victor of Eurovision 2016, Jamala said: “I know that you sing a song about peace and love, but actually, I really want peace and love to everyone”.
Russian MP Elena Drapeko blamed the loss on what she called an “information war” and “general demonisation” of her country. You know, but politics has burst into music.
Ahead of the contest officials and some politicians in Crimea warned the song was an open criticism of Russian Federation with its blatant political content and that it should not be allowed to enter the competition.
The country had the same rights as any other competing country, with votes from a professional jury and the voting public contributing to the final scoreboard.
Rogozin also made headlines with his sarcastic reaction to the Eurovision win two years ago by Austrian cross-dresser Conchita Wurst. Jamala, the stage name for Susana Jamaladinova, was born in the Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan in 1983.
He said only singers who do not support Crimea’s reunification with Russian Federation will be able to take part, according to the news agency.
Meanwhile, Lazarev is set for a hero’s welcome at home.
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“I have a lot of goodwill for the Ukraine, I think the Ukraine has suffered a lot over the last couple of decades and I think they’re now suffering at the hands of a bully”, Mr Abbott told Sky News on Sunday night when asked about Eurovision.
