The famous boxer published an open letter
Former World Heavyweight Champion Vladimir Klichko published an open letter to the European community, in which he urged not to believe Russian propaganda. The boxer insists on continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine and banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions.
“The Russians have been working tirelessly since the first day of the war to flood the world with their propaganda and narratives. They believe that the Western population can get tired over time. This is called compassion fatigue. I think they are wrong. Just as they underestimated the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian army, they also underestimated the willingness of Europeans and Americans to defend their values and support their allies.”
“Nevertheless, this propaganda is bearing fruit. I see this in the issue of arms supplies. I read between the lines that some people think that we are exaggerating, that we are demanding more and more, that we need to get through to the Russians. In short, the implication is that the Ukrainians are the real warmongers. This is the power of Russian propaganda: to portray the victims as enemies of peace and, above all, to make them forget that it is Russia that is attacking a free and sovereign country and, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is violating all the principles of international law.”
“There are also very targeted strategic propaganda actions, such as attempts to get the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris. Russia wants to use sport’s neutrality to clean up its crimes. This cannot be allowed.”
“Russia regards any hesitation on the part of the international community as a sign of weakness and an incentive to continue. They will not be able to demobilize and divide us. Our love for life and freedom is stronger than their hatred.”
Recall that the IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. In this case, everyone who wishes will be required to act in a neutral status. Also, athletes should not support the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and pass a mandatory doping test.
The Olympic Summit, chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach, unanimously agreed to accept an initiative proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions. The OCA is developing a special system that will allow Russians to qualify for the Olympics through Asian competitions.
The IOC believes that a complete ban on the performance of Russian and Belarusian athletes is discrimination and is contrary to the Olympic Charter. The organizers of the 2024 Olympics in Paris said they would adhere to the decision of the International Olympic Committee to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag.
Source: Sportarena
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