The Ukrainian Ministry of Youth and Sports criticized the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee for altering its stance on admitting Russian participants to international sports events.
A statement from Ukraine expressed clear disapproval of the IOC’s partial shift away from a strict non-entry policy for Russian and Belarusian athletes in global competitions, including the Olympic Games. The ministry’s message emphasized the nation’s position against allowing athletes from these countries to take part in major sporting events while Russia’s actions remain a concern on the world stage.
The ministry noted that Kyiv would persist in efforts to prevent representatives of Russia and Belarus from competing internationally, citing the need to uphold sporting integrity and international norms amid ongoing tensions. The commitment was framed as a continued push to restrict participation by athletes tied to Russian and Belarusian institutions in events that include the Olympics.
On March 28, discussions took place in Switzerland, marking the first day of the IOC Executive Committee meeting dedicated to the question of Russian and Belarusian participation in international sport. The dialogue centered on whether athletes from these nations could compete under a neutral flag, provided they do not publicly support the war. The decision also stated that individuals connected to law enforcement and armed forces would be barred from competition.
Previously, the IOC had urged international federations to address the matter of accepting Russian athletes without delay, signaling a sense of urgency within the global sports community to resolve eligibility concerns against the backdrop of geopolitical conflict.