Ukraine has selected its act for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025: 10-year-old Sofia Nersesian will perform the song 'Motanka' in Tbilisi on Saturday, 13 December.
Sofia earned the honour after winning Ukraine’s national selection, held on Sunday, 12 October, according to the official Junior Eurovision website. The young performer, from Kyiv, is of Armenian-Ukrainian heritage and is already known for her volunteer work and participation in charity concerts. She previously applied for Ukraine’s 2024 selection, but this year turned out to be her moment of success.
Her entry 'Motanka' draws inspiration from the traditional Ukrainian handmade doll that mothers give their children at birth, a powerful national talisman. During times of war, the motanka takes on deeper symbolism. According to a legend, its threads glow to protect a child when danger approaches. The song, written by Svitlana Tarabarova, serves as a heartfelt appeal from the children of Ukraine for peace and safety.
Junior Eurovision 2025 marks Ukraine’s 20th participation in the contest. The country won once, in 2012 with Anastasiya Petryk’s Nebo, and finished as runner-up in 2008 and 2013. Last year, Artem Kotenko achieved third place for Ukraine in Madrid with Hear Me Now, scoring 203 points.
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