Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a revival of the Soviet answer to the Eurovision Song Contest in an effort to counter what he says is the decadence of modern Western culture.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Feb. 3 ordering the revival of the Intervision song contest, the Soviet Union's equivalent to Eurovision. The Eurovision Song Contest banned Russia from participation in 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

According to RIA, the Russian news agency, after being excluded from Eurovision, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, has decided to revive Intervision, a musical competition from the Soviet era. The goal is to promote Russian culture and unite countries sympathetic to Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky is ready to enter into direct negotiations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on a cease-fire. But other partners must also be present at those talks. Zelensky said this during an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, for the first time since the full-scale war in Ukraine, stated that he is ready to sit across from Vladimir Putin. "I am ready to sit across from Putin at the negotiating table if it is the only option for achieving peace,