Ukraine’s 2026 entry is LELÉKA with ‘Ridnym’, chosen through Vidbir after scoring the maximum from both jury and public. That sort of clean sweep usually tells you an entry has struck a chord at home, even if it may take a little longer to work its way into the affections elsewhere. On paper, at least, this looks like a very Ukrainian Eurovision choice: rooted in identity, serious in tone, and clearly intended to carry a little emotional weight rather than simply make a loud first impression. Ukraine performs in the second half of the second semi-final.
The song itself is a blend of Ukrainian and English, and LELÉKA’s wider musical background, she describes her work as bringing together Ukrainian tradition and contemporary sound, is very much in the shop window. ‘Ridnym’ isn’t one for chasing easy thrills. It’s measured, sombre and icy cold at times. That said, I can’t shake the feeling that someone tacked together bits of recent Ukrainian Eurovision thinking into one neat package. That neatness is both a strength and a limitation. The performance has presence, and LELÉKA herself is a compelling figure, but the song feels a touch dreary over its long three minutes.
Few countries are better at taking a potential duffer of a song and turning it into something much more potent once it hits the Eurovision stage. Ukraine’s delegation tends to know exactly how to frame an entry. ‘Ridnym’ may well benefit hugely from atmosphere, camera work and live intensity.
History
Ukraine has won three times, has qualified for every grand final since the semi-final era began, finished 3rd in 2024 with ‘Teresa & Maria’, and followed that with 9th place in 2025 for Ziferblat’s truly terrible ‘Bird of Pray’. This isn’t a record that encourages betting against them.
So where does that leave ‘Ridnym’? Probably as a likely qualifier, even if not an obvious contender for the top of the board. Juries may appreciate its craft. Televoters are harder to call, because this is not an immediately generous song. It asks the audience to listen rather than just watch. Still, Ukraine has qualified with less instantly lovable material before (last year), and LELÉKA has enough charisma to give it a fighting chance. But for me, this isn’t a must hear again song.
3 Points
