Six European countries signed a declaration demanding that Russians and Belarusians not be allowed to participate in international sports in any status

Six European countries have signed a joint Ukraine declaration with a call to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions in any status.

President of the National Olympic Committee Vadim Gutzeit met in Warsaw with representatives of governments Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Lithuania And Latvia. The meeting took place shortly after the meeting of the European Parliament, which opposed the participation of Russians and Belarusians in the Olympic Games in Paris.

“Given the ongoing discussion at the international forum about sanctions against Russia and Belarus in the field of sports, we, as representatives of neighboring countries, are especially obliged to defend the position that Russia and Belarus should not be allowed to participate in international sports competitions in any form.”

“Based on our historical experience, we are deeply convinced that the relaxation of the ban introduced a year ago would be the wrong signal that can be used by the Russian regime and its propaganda to legitimize their crimes. Now, more than ever, the Ukrainian sports community deserves constant joint support,” said the meeting participants.

Earlier, the IOC responded to a request from a group of countries demanding clarification of the definition of “neutrality” in relation to athletes from Russia and Belarus. The Committee also criticized the resolution of the European Parliament, which condemned the attempts of the IOC to allow athletes from aggressor countries to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Among the countries that signed the official letter to the IOC were the US, UK, France, Canada and Germany. The statement was also signed by Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark, which are considering the possibility of a boycott of the Olympics if athletes from Russia and Belarus are admitted.

The appeal to the IOC was the result of an online meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and government leaders from more than 30 countries. During this meeting, Zelensky called for not allowing representatives of terrorist states to the Games in any status.

The IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. At the same time, 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 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 IOC to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag.