State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova, renowned Olympic champion in speed skating, spoke about the possibility of figure skater Margarita Drobyazko obtaining Russian citizenship. In comments to socialbites.ca, Zhurova explained that her previous remark about not betraying Russia for the sake of a Lithuanian passport had sparked a response from Lithuania that led to Drobyazko being stripped of citizenship, and she suggested that Drobyazko could seamlessly become a Russian citizen given her long residence and work in Russia. The exchange highlighted the broader tensions that sometimes surface when athletes switch national affiliations or are perceived as loyalties being questioned, a topic that remains sensitive in both sports circles and national discussions about citizenship and allegiance.
“Was the catalyst the moment he stated he would not betray Russia for the sake of a Lithuanian passport? I think so. He has lived and worked in Russia for many years, and he is beloved here. It is heartbreaking how they treated him in Lithuania. Depriving him of citizenship simply because he resides in Russia and participates in a demonstration seems unjustified,” Zhurova stated, noting that the path to Russian citizenship would be straightforward for Drobyazko, who was born in Moscow. The remarks underscored the practical reality that birthplace and long-term residency can play critical roles in eligibility, even as political and administrative actions complicate such processes.
On July 28, Lithuania’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Agne Bilotaite, asked the country’s president to strip Margarita Drobyazko of her citizenship for appearing in Tatiana Navka’s show. Earlier, on June 21, Victoria Cmilyte-Nielsen, a member of Lithuania’s Seimas, indicated in interviews with local media that a formal procedure to revoke the athlete’s citizenship had begun. Margarita Drobyazko, a prominent Lithuanian champion with a storied career that includes multiple national titles, medals at the European Championships and the World Championships in ice dance, has competed in five Olympic Games with her partner Povilas Vanagas. The evolving situation touches on how athletes’ international movements intersect with national policies, public sentiment, and the regulatory frameworks that govern citizenship and representation in major sporting events. In commentary and public discourse, Zhurova has emphasized a sense of offense on Lithuania’s behalf, arguing that Pulling Drobyazko into a political dispute over citizenship misses the celebratory and competitive spirit that originally brought her into the sport on the international stage. The conversation illustrates the delicate balance between national loyalty, individual career choices, and the role of political considerations in decisions that affect athletes at the highest levels of competition.