A decision by the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest to drop Russia from this year's contest following a spat with Ukraine was roundly denounced by Moscow on Friday.

Russia's state-run Channel One said Thursday it would not broadcast the event, after rejecting proposals for contestant Yulia Samoilova to take place via video link or be replaced after Ukraine slapped her with an entry ban.

In response, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) then confirmed Russia "will no longer be able to take part in this year's competition."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov lashed out at the organizers for failing to make Kiev accept the Russian performer.