By Ulf Mauder

Moscow (Russia) - Immediately after the Eurovision Song Contest ( ESC ), Russia is drumming up support for its counter-event, the Intervision Song Contest.

The music competition ordered by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (72) following Russia's exclusion from the ESC will take place on September 20 in Moscow's Live Arena, according to Russian state television. There is room for up to 11,000 spectators.

Russia had been excluded from the ESC due to its war of aggression against Ukraine . However, as the spectacle has many fans in Russia, Putin instructed that the Intervision, which was held during the Cold War in Soviet times, be brought back to life.

State television also confirmed the participation of ultra-nationalist singer Yaroslav Dronov (33), alias Shaman, after the media had already reported his name in March. "It's hard to be the first, but I'm not shy either," said Shaman, who is an ardent supporter of Putin and advocate of the invasion of Ukraine.

It was recently reported that more than 20 countries have confirmed their participation, including China , India , countries from Latin America and the Middle East. In Russia, the ESC was also very popular with the public due to numerous successes. In 2008, the Russian Dima Bilan (43) won the competition.