Russia's answer to Eurovision is less kitsch, more Kremlin

Russia's Intervision Song Contest, a Kremlin-led alternative to Eurovision, aims to showcase international cultural cooperation but is seen by some as political propaganda. With 23 participating countries, including the US and Russia, the event is an opportunity for Moscow to project a softer image amid criticisms over its actions in Ukraine. The contest emphasizes traditional music and culture, with performers prioritizing sharing their country's heritage on the global stage, in contrast to Eurovision's more mainstream pop focus.