Miss Ukraine given visa for Miss Universe finals after US overturn ban

Anastasia Subbota’s visa application had been rejected for the finals in Atalanta, in the United States, amid tense diplomatic relations between the two countries

ByTim Hanlon News Reporter  23:03, 22 NOV 2019

Anastasia has visa finally granted (Image: Anastasia Subbota/Instagram)

Miss Ukraine will be allowed to compete in the Miss Universe finals after the US finally allowed her a visa to enter the country.

Anastasia Subbota’s visa application was at first turned down amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The Miss Universe finals are to be held in the city of Atlanta in the south-eastern US state of Georgia between November 28 and December 9.

Anastasia got caught up in the political controversy over allegations that Donald Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart for assistance in digging up dirt on 2020 election hopeful Joe Biden.

Anastasia was caught up in the tense diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the US (Image: Anastasia Subbota/Instagram)

According to the head of the Ukrainian organising committee Anna Filimonova, they wrote an open letter to the interim Charges d’Affaires in the Ukraine, American diplomat William Taylor, regarding the issue.

Filimonova said the beauty queen went to the US Embassy to fill out her paperwork to visit the country for the Miss Universe pageant, but an official told her “these documents have already been filed” and without further explanation, the model was denied her visa.

Anastasia has to be in the US at least one day before the contest starts due to competition rules but as it was appearing like she couldn’t take part, there has been a dramatic turnaround.

After finally being granted a visa, the leggy model is about to leave for London where she will attend rehearsals before jetting on to Atlanta.

She received well wishes online after having her visa granted (Image: Anastasia Subbota/Instagram)

The news was greeted with delight by her fans on social media.

One wrote: “I am so happy for you.”

Another put it: “Congratulations!”

Last year's winner was Miss Philippines Catriona Gray.

The 24-year-old bested 93 competitors to take the coveted title in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier today.

In an emotional moment, Catriona appeared to hardly believe that she had won, giving off a beaming smile.

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/world-news/miss-ukraine-given-visa-miss-20940606