Vietnamese performer Duc Phuc won the Moscow-hosted “Intervision Song Contest” this weekend, a revival of a Cold War-era alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest that strongman Vladimir Putin hailed as a display of “respect for traditional values” and “diversity.”

Putin delivered a televised address to Russians and viewers internationally in which he claimed the revived Intervision Song Contest was “one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year,” a claim not corroborated by known viewership or international media attention.

“The atmosphere of creative freedom, kindness, and mutual respect make it a real holiday for the artists and the audience,” he declared. “Culture and music have no borders. Today’s gala is to show the uniting power of art.”

“Russia has always been a

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