Suspilne entrusted Kateryna Pavlenko with comprehensive commentary on three Eurovision 2026 evenings. Final — 16 May 2026.
Suspilne (UA:PBC) announced on 12 January 2026 the appointment of Kateryna Pavlenko as main commentator of all three Eurovision 2026 evenings in Basel (Switzerland) on 12, 14, and 16 May. This is Pavlenko's first-ever Eurovision commentator role (previously she was a contestant in 2020 and 2021, taking 5th place with 'Shum'). Commentary partner will be Taras Topolya (Antytila frontman, AFU veteran — see separate PR3 news), who worked as commentator in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024. Pair commentary — Pavlenko will lead musical (as performer) and cultural (as Bakhmut heroine) aspects, Topolya — sport-entertainment and political. Production support — Ukrainian production office in Basel (4 people in Switzerland). Besides main commentator, Pavlenko will participate in two special broadcasts: 1) 'Evening with Pavlenko: Eurovision in Focus' (Suspilne First, 11 May 2026 — pre-show programme) — a 60-minute episode with analysis of festival favourites and representatives; 2) 'Inside Eurovision' (Suspilne Culture, 17 May 2026 — post-show) — a 90-minute commentary-analysis of results. In total over 14 hours of Pavlenko airtime on Suspilne during Eurovision week.
