Inviting Russians means supporting the war
Two-time Olympic champion of the 1996 Olympics in artistic gymnastics Lilia Podkopayeva made an appeal prohibit Russian athletes from participating in any international competitions during the war in Ukraine.
“We cannot allow Russia to be allowed to participate in any sports activity in the world after they have killed 184 Ukrainian athletes. Inviting them means supporting the war and the crimes committed by the Russians. Sport should not be outside politics, outside the deaths of people and the destruction of Ukraine.”
Today, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba criticized the statement of IOC President Thomas Bach that all athletes should participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Including from countries at war.
Earlier, Olympic champion in gymnastics Oleg Vernyaev said that all Russian and Belarusian athletes who supported the Russian war in Ukraine should be disqualified for life.
The full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine continues for the 289th day.
Source: Sportarena
