'Pro-Russian freak': Ukrainians outraged by Austria's Eurovision 2025 win
JJ (photo: Corinne Cumming/EBU)
The grand final of Eurovision 2025 wrapped up on May 17, and social media is already ablaze with outrage. The fact that a pro-Russian artist from Austria managed to claim the top spot has sparked a wave of criticism from Ukrainians. Although the competition was fierce, it was Johannes Pich (JJ) who ultimately took home the night’s main prize — the crystal microphone.
How are Ukrainians reacting to the result? Read more in the article by RBC-Ukraine.
Austria’s Johannes Pich conquered the Eurovision 2025 stage with his song Wasted Love. His performance impressed both the jury and viewers alike — in the end, he scored 438 points and won the contest.
However, the reaction from Ukrainians has been far from unanimous. While some audience members were genuinely impressed by the winner’s performance — praising his powerful vocals and meaningful composition that, as fans put it, "gives you goosebumps" — others strongly criticized the outcome.
- F***ing amazing performance. Even while they were announcing the songs of the countries, I already knew it would be among the top, because who else but Austria would send an opera singer to Eurovision
- If you exclude the political context and the existence of a dumb country that ruins people's reputation, Austria is top-tier. It's simply a voice you rarely hear. And I hope the performer will change his opinion. But won't stop singing
- Austria won. Truly worthy vocals and voice
- I'm actually glad that Austria won, because the performance was really good and powerful, he deserved it
- In case someone doesn't understand why Austria won: JJ sings about unrequited feelings — an absolutely universal experience that resonates with others through the dramatic core of the song, plus incredible vocals. It's a crazy combo, that's why he won
But not all Ukrainians applauded Johannes Pich’s victory standing. Some reacted to his triumph with anger — not because of the song or performance itself, but because of scandalous details from the artist’s biography.
The fact is, the singer openly admitted that while working on Wasted Love, he was inspired by none other than Russian opera star Anna Netrebko — a well-known supporter of the Putin regime.
Since 2021, Johannes has actively followed her on Instagram, not hesitating to like even posts with pro-Russian messages.
JJ (photo: Corinne Cumming/EBU)
Because of these "sympathies," many Ukrainians expressed outrage on social media: they said the guy has a decent voice, but his support for Putinists ruined everything.
- Going to the airport, haven’t slept a bit, the train is delayed, night shift tonight, Austria is still the winner. Good morning.
- And next year Austria will invite Netrebko to sing a duet.
- Did Europe just fear offending the Austrian artist again? (not to make the same mistake twice)
- Austria is a rotten country, just like their contestant. They will 100% push to bring Russia back to Eurovision next year, and we must do everything to prevent that.
- Austria is a damn plagiarism of Odysseus on a homemade raft. I hope you get lost somewhere in the ocean. Not Eurovision, just a total disappointment, makes me want a cigarette, and I’ve never smoked.
- Austria won Eurovision 2025. The winner was inspired by a Russian opera singer who supports the genocide of the Ukrainian people. F*** Eurovision! Sorry!
Recall that after his performance in the Eurovision 2025 final, Johannes Pich tried to thank everyone who, in his words, inspired his creativity. But the microphone was cut off, so most viewers didn’t hear what he said.
However, attentive Ukrainian commentators Timur Miroshnychenko and Alyona Alyona still caught that moment.
"He thanked everyone: Europe, his family, and his muse (Netrebko - editor’s note)," shared Miroshnychenko.
