Ukraine continues to insist on sanctions for athletes from aggressor countries
Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and newly elected President of the NOC of Ukraine Vadim Gutzeit commented on the desire of the President of France Emmanuel Macron allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the 2024 Olympics.
“From the first day of the war, we have reacted harshly to any attempts by Russian and Belarusian athletes to represent and promote their countries at the international level! We want and are doing everything possible so that there are no Russians and Belarusians at international competitions, so that we don’t see the Russian flag, so that we don’t see anyone from Russia and Belarus while the war is going on in Ukraine.”
“Together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, we are constantly voicing this issue at different levels. We are aware of the position of French President Emmanuel Macron on holding the 2024 Olympic Games with the participation of all states. This is his personal opinion, but we do not accept it.”
“There are clear rules for admission to the Olympic Games. The qualifying round has already begun. And the participants of the Olympic Games will be determined by the number of licenses received. Therefore, our task is to ensure that Ukrainian athletes show the best results, to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in any competitions, and we are working with our colleagues on the diplomatic front.”
“I constantly communicate and appeal to international colleagues to support such sanctions. I believe that we will be able to defend the interests of our state. And the Ukrainian flag will fly at various international competitions. Because we are a nation of winners.”
Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba criticized the statement of IOC President Thomas Bach that all athletes should participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Bach said that French President Macron believes that all athletes should participate in the 2024 Olympics and “sport should not be politicized.”
Recall that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) upheld the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The decision was made at the 11th Olympic Summit.
The full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine continues for the 291st day.
Source: Sportarena
