Ukraine has unveiled the creative minds behind LELÉKA’s Eurovision 2026 staging, promising an emotional and concept-driven performance in Vienna.
A familiar name
Illia Dutsyk will lead the Ukrainian delegation’s creative team in Vienna, marking his first time directing a Eurovision performance. Despite being new to the Eurovision stage, Dutsyk brings experience from the Ukrainian music scene, having worked with artists such as Ziferblat and other contemporary acts.
He previously directed Ziferblat’s Vidbir 2025 performance, showing early signs of his visual storytelling style. Illya Dutsyk said:
“We had a strong creative connection — from our very first conversation to a deep understanding of the performance. It’s a story about a personal journey, about the many layers of inner emotions, and a constant movement toward yourself. I hope we managed to create something honest, vulnerable, and at the same time strong — something that resonates on a deeper level.”
While LELÉKA commented:
“For me, it was important to find someone who would feel this song the same way I do. Illia and I quickly found common ground — and this performance is born out of trust, from a very honest understanding of what these lyrics are about.”
As previously revealed, LELÉKA’s staging for Eurovision will be different to the one she had for Vidbir. The performance will feature props and special effects.
Ukraine’s Eurovision Journey
Ukraine is one of the most successful countries to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. The country has scored nine top-five placements, with an extra four top-ten finishes. Ukraine won the Contest three times – in 2004, 2016 and 2022 respectively. Ukraine made history for being the first ex-Soviet country to win the Contest more than once.
In 2025, Ziferblat represented Ukraine in Basel with their song “Bird of Pray”. The band finished in 9th place, scoring 218 points – of which 60 points came from the jury, whilst the remaining 158 points came from the televote.
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Source: Suspilne
Photo credit: Tetiana / That Eurovision Site
Thomas James 
Rory Gannon