ISU Decisions and Ukrainian Support Amid Russian Sanctions — A Comprehensive Update

The ISU Council convened online to review the ongoing situation in Ukraine and to consider measures affecting Russian athletes in light of recent events.

ISU allocates 15.5 million rubles to support Ukrainian figure skating

The International Skating Union stated that it has closely followed the developments in Ukraine and condemned the Russian actions in the strongest terms, with wording adjusted to comply with regulatory requirements.

Additionally, the ISU reportedly earmarked 200,000 Swiss francs (about 15.5 million rubles) to assist the Ukrainian Skating Federation during this difficult period.

Part of these funds will be distributed to ISU member associations that agreed to provide shelter for Ukrainian skaters who fled the country after hostilities began.

It is anticipated that the financial support will help these athletes pursue their figure skating careers and continue their training abroad where needed.

ISU explores sanctions against Russian participants

The ISU decided to introduce a new clause addressing potential protective measures during emergencies, and the majority of its members reportedly supported the change, according to an official release.

Clause 17, titled “Other Protective Measures,” states that in events of extraordinary circumstances beyond ISU control, the Council may implement protective actions to ensure safe, peaceful, and orderly operations.

Possible measures could include, but are not limited to, temporary suspensions of:

a) ISU membership of countries involved in the extraordinary event;

b) the rights of individuals connected to ISU members referred to in the previous item;

c) other actions deemed appropriate by the ISU in light of the event’s nature and circumstances.

Such measures would be taken regardless of any violations by the affected countries regarding ISU obligations under the charter or other rules.

As a result, a federation could be stripped of its ISU status and its skaters barred from competition if the nation they represent is implicated in an emergency. The scope of Clause 17 is intentionally broad, ending with the inclusive term “etc.”

Moreover, the actions may extend beyond exclusion from events—other restrictions could be applied as long as the ISU deems them appropriate, and timing could be prolonged as needed.

In addition, the text notes that protections will remain in effect as long as circumstances require, with periodic review and modification. Measures should be lifted or adjusted as soon as possible when conditions change, and if measures remain at the time of the next ISU Congress, those issues should be considered then.

Rules not yet adopted

Despite the inclusion described, Clause 17 had not yet been formally integrated into the ISU statute. It was expected to be addressed at the next congress in June 2022. Alexey Kravtsov, president of the Russian Skating Union, stated that amendments would be presented at the congress and that important decisions would be taken there, contingent on the required voting threshold of 80% of those present.

Skaters suspended, competitions in Russia canceled

Even though Clause 17 had not taken effect, the ISU had already outlined sanctions against Russia under the new framework to protect competition integrity and participant safety. The council announced several security measures:

a) Pending further notice, all athletes who are members of the Russian Ice Skating Union or the Russian Figure Skating Federation are not to be invited or allowed to participate in international competitions, including ISU events. Officials are included. This applies across disciplines such as speed skating, short track, and all forms of figure skating.

b) No international competitions will be held in Russia until further notice, which led to the cancellation of the Rostelecom Cup stage from the 2022/23 Grand Prix season.

As a result, Russian figure skating faced isolation for the upcoming season unless the broader situation changed rapidly.

Russia’s delegates and the ISU Congress

The ISU issued a statement indicating that more than twenty member associations urged the removal of Russian delegates from the 2022 convention to suspend voting on figure skating matters. The union did not implement this measure and noted that, under its charter and Swiss law, protecting the rights of all members remains essential.

The council concluded that no decision would be made at that time and that the issue would be put to a vote at the next congress. While more than twenty members had spoken in favor, the count did not reach a majority given the total of about ninety members.

Russia’s response to potential sanctions

Russia reacted negatively to the ISU’s communiqué. The Russian Figure Skating Federation expressed disappointment and pledged to defend the rights and interests of Russian skaters. Esteemed coach Alexander Zhulin described the situation as deeply troubled and indicated bleak prospects for national and international competition. He suggested alternatives, including domestic events, though acknowledging that world championships without Russian participation would be a major setback for the sport.

Tatyana Tarasova criticized the ISU’s decisions, suggesting they undermine Russia’s figure skating school and lamenting missed opportunities for Russian skaters on the world stage. Some public commentators described ISU actions as misguided, while others argued that Russia’s high level would sustain domestic tournaments regardless of the broader international landscape.