Off-topic
If you're gonna do her dirty like that, add that Freedom Jazz and Kazka also said no
Freedom Jazz and Kazka said "no" because they didn´t want to compete as a runner-up or 3rd-placer and they showed some solidarity and thought that Maruv should be representing Ukraine.
Apart from the lack of financial support (which is an issue for other countries as well), Maruv has releaved 4 parts of the contracts she refused to sign:
- I am forbidden to make any improvisation on the stage without the approval of the NTU. (Unagreed gymnastic splits, for example, will result in a fine of 2 million hryvnia)
- Immediate transfer of the copyright to the song belonging to the international label Warner Music (it was known about these rights before the start of the contest)
- Fully comply with any requirements and instructions of the NTU. (Theoretically, they can force me to dance at a birthday party with some deputy Prime Minister, and in case of refusal, they will disqualify me and oblige me again to pay a fine of 2 million hryvnia. Plus, to compensate the NTU for the alleged losses!)
- The ban on communication with journalists without the consent of the NTU. (Which completely violates freedom of speech and human rights)
source:
https://eurovoix.com/2019/02/25/ukraine-maruv-reveals-details-of-uapbc-eurovision-contract/#:~:text=MARUV revealed on Facebook her experience since being,be allowed to represent Ukraine in Tel Aviv.
First, it´s her wording - not the original phrasese used in the contract and thus, we don´t know for sure that it was really meant that way (or not).
You know yourself that taking part in Eurovision is a huge thing: Countries and broadcasters hire stage directors, choreographers, designers and more people to create something on stage.
Rule #1 simply says that Maruv is not allowed to make any improvisation during the performance. Let´s just assume that Ukraine didn´t go full dictatorship and would have let Maruv alter her own performance if stage directors/choreographers agree on it.
Rule #2 - she knew about this beforehand and it´s a common thing - there has to be some agreements so that all songs get released (as well as on the same compilation under a single record label)
Rule #3 - This is far-fetched, imo. Personally (and hopefully), I think that this part should make sure that Maruv shows up for rehearsals, press conferences, the red carpet event and more (not cancelling flights, rides, showing up in general) and some events before Eurovision (Preview parties, interviews?)
Rule #4 - Again, Eurovision = representing your country and there´s huge schedule - each delegation has a head of press and they filter questions or come up with meetings/they schedule certain interviews/organise them. - It´s quite likely that the Ukrainian broadcaster didn´t want Maruv to ditch important bloggers/press or choose questionable reporters who would be twisting their words - Again, there are professional people for arranging interviews, etc (head of press).
All in all, they a few phrases can be seen as fishy or shabby (the way Maruv herself presented them) but in general, this contract is not that far away from any other professional contract in the music industry.
The Ukrainian broadcaster could have been more supportive (especially financially) but in the end, it was Maruv´s decision to not do Eurovision and hence, Ukraine withdrew.