New energy for the national selection: Lesya Nikitiuk and Tymur Miroshnychenko combine drive and experience
Lesia Nikitiuk will be one of the hosts of Ukraine’s national selection for Eurovision 2026. Why this matters for the show and how the combination of a new format and her experience could change the contest’s perception in Ukraine.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
January 23, 2026 · 1 min read
Lesia Nikitiuk in the National Selection: what is known
The organizers of the National Selection have confirmed that TV presenter Lesia Nikitiuk will be one of the hosts of the contest for Eurovision‑2026. Nikitiuk herself also announced this on her social media, and the information was distributed by the UNN news agency.
"I dreamed it"
— Lesia Nikitiuk, TV presenter
Who else will be in the studio
Joining Nikitiuk as a host is Timur Miroshnychenko — a long‑time commentator and familiar face of Ukraine's Eurovision. According to official statements, he will be responsible for the competitive part of the show. The preshow and the eurofan zone will be hosted by blogger Anna Tulieva.
What this means for the show
The pairing of Nikitiuk's "drive" and Miroshnychenko's professional experience is more than just casting media personalities. It is an attempt to preserve the contest's professionalism while making it more accessible to a broad audience. At a time when culture is one of the markers of international support, the National Selection serves not only an entertainment role but also an image‑building one.
Details and schedule
The National Selection final will take place on February 7. As part of the concert, 10 artists will compete for the right to represent Ukraine at the jubilee 70th Eurovision. Organizers emphasize the combination of the competitive portion and interactive segments for viewers.
Brief conclusion
This staffing combination signals an effort to preserve quality while simultaneously expanding the audience. Whether the new hosting duo will turn the National Selection into an event that unites different generations of viewers and increases the contest's recognizability will become clear on February 7. In the meantime, the key point is that the combination of experience and new energy can boost not only ratings but also Ukraine's cultural influence on the international stage.
