State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova told Gazeta.ru that she considers the statements of Ukrainian politicians about a possible boycott of the 2024 Olympic Games, if athletes from Russia and Belarus are allowed, as an element of pressure on the IOC and international sports federations. At the same time, according to him, such a thing will not happen, albeit due to the interest of the sponsors.
“This is definitely an element of pressure. However, it is unlikely that Bach, who himself missed the Olympics due to the boycott, would want such a fate for the athletes in these 35 countries. He does not want the same for Russians and Belarusians – on the contrary, he believes that this is unacceptable. Why should these two countries be protected? The question is whether we will go to neutral status, but if they want to boycott, let them boycott. Bach immediately said that Ukraine provoked everyone to do this, that he was looking for supporters. And then remember, whoever wants to do political PR before the Games always does. For example, Tibetan Americans. Human rights violations in China… They said they could boycott until last month, they called… But shall we go? To go. It was the same in 2008 and so we went. The political platform is used until the last day, then the sponsors say, why don’t your athletes go? Some of our contracts have been concluded taking into account the participation of your athletes in the Games. Yes, advertising at the Olympics is prohibited, but many athletes are associated with specific sponsors. And why don’t they go?” said Zhurova.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine’s position on the issue that Russians should not compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics has not changed, and Prime Minister Denys Shmygal spoke about the For Fair Sport coalition, which will boycott the Games if Russian and Belarusian athletes are accepted. to them.
Previously Ukraine and 34 countries expression The Russians are ready to boycott the Olympic Games if accepted.