However, UA:PBC announced its withdrawal from the contest after Maruv refused to sign her participation agreement, and following failed attempts of internally select a representative among other competing artists in the national final.

Since 2016, in collaboration with commercial broadcaster STB, it had set up national finals with several artists to choose both the song and performer to compete at Eurovision for Ukraine, with both the public and a panel of jury members involved in the selection.

Three acts were selected to advance from each semi-final based on the 50/50 combination of votes from a public televote and an expert jury.

The third stage was the final, which took place on 23 February 2019 and featured the six acts that qualified from the semi-finals vying to represent Ukraine in Tel Aviv.

[5] The sixteen acts were allocated to one of two semi-finals during a draw that took place on 22 January, which was hosted by Ruslan Kvinta.

The winner, "Siren Song" performed by Maruv, was selected through the combination of votes from a public televote and an expert jury.

During the final of Vidbir 2019, it was announced that UA:PBC had reserved the right to change the decision made by the jury and Ukrainian public.

Following Maruv's victory, it was reported that the broadcaster had sent her management a contract, requiring Maruv to delay all upcoming appearances and performances in Russia in order to become the Ukrainian representative; it is considered controversial for Ukrainian artists to tour in Russia following the 2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine.

Maruv also stated that the broadcaster would not give her any financial compensation for the competition and would not pay for the trip to Tel Aviv.

[10] On 25 February, both Maruv and the broadcaster confirmed that she would not represent Ukraine in Israel due to disputes within the contract, and that another act would be chosen.

[12][13] On 27 February, UA:PBC announced its withdrawal from the contest, due to the inability to select a representative among other competing artists in the national final.