News outlets report that Margarita Drobyazko, a figure skater renowned for her ice dancing partnership with her husband Povilas Vanagas, is facing the potential loss of Lithuanian citizenship. The coverage, attributed to TASS, notes that discussions are underway about revoking Drobyazko’s nationality and removing her from Lithuanian state honors due to her planned participation inTatiana Navka’s Swan Lake ice show in Sochi. The proposal has been put forward by Stasis Shedbaras, who heads the parliament’s law and order commission.
Drobyazko was born in Moscow and later became a Lithuanian citizen to pursue Olympic competition alongside Vanagas. In 2000, she received recognition as a Knight of the Order of Gediminas, one of Lithuania’s prestigious honors, reflecting her standing in the national sporting community.
Context surrounding these developments mentions that the International Skating Union (ISU) has suspended athletes from Russia and Belarus from competition, aligning with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This stance was formalized at the ISU congress held in early June, though observers note the situation remains nuanced and evolving, with implications for athletes and national honors alike.
In related matters, there have been broader statements about state recognitions and our field’s intersection with international events. Notably, the former President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has previously deprived Viktor Petrenko of state support while he performed in connection with Navka’s show—an example cited in discussions about how athletic careers can intersect with national honors and public appearances. [Source attribution: TASS, ISU and IOC communications, historical press reporting]”