The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called on the athletes to express their position, the NOC president does not exclude the possibility of a boycott of the Games if the Russians are admitted

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmitry Kuleba commented on the statement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the possible admission of Russians and Belarusians to international competitionsincluding the 2024 Olympics.

“The IOC is dismissive of Russian war crimes, arguing that “no athlete should be banned from competing just because of their passport,” while Ukrainian athletes continue to be killed by Russia because of their passports. I call on all athletes to express their position,” Kuleba tweeted.

The President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine Vadim Gutzeit also made an appeal. According to the head of the National Olympic Committee of the country, he does not rule out a boycott of the Games by Ukraine, if a decision on the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes is made.

“The IOC reaffirmed its sanctions against the governments of the aggressor states, as well as solidarity with Ukrainian athletes and our Olympic family. However, a discussion has also begun about the possibility of participation in competitions by athletes from all countries, especially between which wars continue,” Gutzeit wrote on his Facebook page.

“The IOC statement following the meeting of the Executive Committee on January 25, 2023 is actually a description of the situation that has developed in the Olympic Movement in connection with the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation with the help of the Republic of Belarus, launched during the Olympic Truce. It was recently discussed by a narrow circle of people at the so-called Olympic Summit, where representatives of only three NOCs (USA, China and Russia) were invited.

As part of further consultations organized by the IOC, unfortunately, the issue of admission of Russians and Belarusians was raised by the majority of NOCs. Ukraine and some of the partner states that took the floor opposed this until the completion of the Russian aggression. For the entire Ukrainian sports community, this is a matter of principle! In this we are supported by the President of our state and the whole society.

Some international federations were outraged by the IOC’s attempt to promote the return of Russians and Belarusians. Their leaders ignored the invitation to the Olympic summit and declared their position at the relevant IOC consultations.

Such a situation is unacceptable for our state. We have appealed and will continue to appeal to all international organizations that can influence the situation and whose opinion the IOC members can listen to. Our position is unchanged: while the war is going on in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be at international competitions!

Of course, our national sports federations must increase communication with international federations in order for the ban to remain in force. An example is the National Committee for Sports of the Disabled of Ukraine, which, together with partners, achieved the suspension of membership in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in the International Paralympic Committee. Without the consent of the IPC, the IOC is unlikely to be able to work out any decisions on this matter. In addition, there are sanctions of the World Anti-Doping Agency against Russian athletes.

Currently, work is underway on further possible steps and priority measures to extend sanctions and prevent Russians and Belarusians from participating in international competitions. If we are not heard, I do not exclude the possibility that we will boycott and refuse to participate in the Olympics.”

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.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during a conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron asked to ban the participation of representatives of the Russian Federation at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. However, the leaders of the Olympic Games rejected Zelensky’s call.

Recall that the Olympic Summit, chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach, unanimously agreed to accept the initiative proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia, allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions.

The 2024 Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11.